In General… Changing your position can be helpful to ward off strains. Take frequent breaks or switch between repetitive tasks whenever possible. You can do gentle stretching exercises in between clients to relieve stress on muscles. Pace yourself. Working too fast can cause your body to become tense and result in muscle pains. Keep your arms and shoulders loose. Tilting your head to each side for a few seconds at a time can help to relieve neck stress and tension. Organize your work area in a way that makes equipment and materials easy to access without causing unnecessary bending, reaching, or twisting. Pay attention to the way you move and position your body. For example, when lifting any item of weight, make sure to support the weight with your legs, rather than your back. Try to keep your wrists straight, rather than repetitive bending. No matter what task you are doing, always listen to your body. If a technique is causing you pain, try to find a way to adjust your posture or positioning to more easily accomplish the task. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
While you can play a part in your own health within the salon setting, employers must also take a role in providing you with a safe operating environment. There are key responsibilities that employers are responsible for that can make a difference for everyone working within or visiting the salon. For example, under OSH law, employers are responsible for complying with all OSHA standards and rules in order to provide a workplace that is safe and free from recognized and preventable harm . All workplace conditions and standard operating procedures must conform to OSHA standards, and all employees must have access to and training on the safe operation of tools, products, and equipment. When applicable, safety training should be delivered in a language that can be understood by all workers. Keep this in mind when working with employees that may speak foreign languages and ensure that all workers understand the vocabulary used.
Sample Safety Data Sheet
The federal government requires that product manufacturers make the safety data sheets (SDS) available to their employees and customers.
Safety Data Sheets for every hazardous material must be readily accessible at all times within the salon. In addition, hazardous materials should be clearly labeled, and employers should use posters, signs, or some other indication (such as color codes) to warn employees of dangers within the salon. Employers are also responsible to develop and implement written hazard communication programs. These should include communication and training on hazards present in the salon and safety precautions for preventing exposures. Certain chemicals and techniques will also require OSHA regulated medical examinations and training, so check with your supervisor or the OSHA standards before handling any hazardous materials. Reporting and notifications In worst case scenarios resulting in work-related fatalities, reporting must be provided to the nearest OSHA office within 8 hours of the instance . For inpatient hospitalization, amputations, and losses of an eye, reporting must be complete within 24 hours. Always keep records of any work-related injuries or illnesses. This is a requirement for any salon that employees more than ten employees, but is also a good practice for any salon, despite the size or headcount. It is also important to provide employees (as well as former employees and their representatives) access to the Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Log, for full disclosure of potential injuries and hazards. In addition, all employees should also be provided access to their medical records and exposure records. When violations have been identified and addressed by OSHA, employers have the responsibility to notify employees of the citation at or near the involved work area . These notifications are required to remain posted until the violation is corrected or for a period of three working days, whichever is longer. OSHA will provide guidance on required deadlines for correcting violations.
A best practice in salons is the adoption of an Injury and Illness Prevention Program. This can help employers to limit injury and illness by using standard interventions, which can significantly impact the occurrence of workplace injuries and manage safety within the salon. There are examples of programs and systems for your reference on OSHAs Injury and Illness Prevention Programs topics page.
Successful Injury and Illness Prevention Programs are based on the following key elements: □ Management/leadership. □ Worker participation. □ Hazard identification. □ Hazard prevention and control. □ Education and training. □ Program evaluation and improvement.
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Book Code: EFL1024
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