Legs, feet, and knees The following suggestions apply to protecting the legs, feet, and knees: 1. All the previous suggestions for the back and neck apply. 2. Take breaks when possible, elevating legs to the height of the chair. 3. Use a stool or chair that can move so the stylist can sit when possible. 4. Wear supportive leg wear, socks, or stockings. 5. Stand on a cushioned mat designed to protect legs and feet, especially if working on a concrete floor. Wrist and hand The study of ergonomics in cosmetology offers suggestions to address these injuries to eliminate strain on the wrist that can lead to tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The key is to look at the wrist movements performed by the cosmetologist to determine ways to reduce or eliminate the amount of bending of the wrist and gripping action of the fingers. Some changes in techniques, tools, and equipment include the following: 1. Using a client chair that can be raised, lowered, and swiveled to avoid bending and twisting the wrist when cutting hair. 2. Chose shears and other tools that fit the hand and are the proper weight and finger hole size to cut down on excessive gripping. Be sure shears are sharp and lubricated to cut down the number of cutting actions to accomplish the job. 3. Select brushes and combs that fit the stylist’s hand, are balanced, and glide through the hair with the least amount of drag. Choose a round brush that can be twisted through the fingers rather than repeatedly twisting the wrist. 4. Chose ergonomically designed equipment and practice to use it properly before working on clients. 5. Try to keep the wrist as straight as possible during all functions, including using the hairdryer. 6. The manicurist might use a foam pad or pad to keep the wrist straight and supported. 7. Always try to stay close to the client to avoid unnecessary reaching or twisting of the wrist. Shoulder Many of the same wrist suggestions can help eliminate shoulder strain: 1. Stay close to avoid reaching and adjust the chair to eliminate reaching up. 2. Keep tools, supplies, and equipment close by and avoid storing items, especially heavy ones, on high shelves. 3. Keep arms low, close to the body, with elbows close to the sides. 4. Try to maintain good posture, relaxing shoulders to avoid hunching them up toward the ears. Slip, trip and fall injuries These accidents may cause injury to multiple parts of the body. If the design of the space is crowded or does not provide clear and open paths to move easily, staff and clients may trip and fall. Workstations must be designed to allow staff to move freely without any obstacles, equipment, or packaging in the way. Improper cleaning may cause hazards that lead to these accidents. Debris from hair along with water, sprays, lotions, and other products that may be spilled or settle from overspray can accumulate on floors. Water and dirt
may be tracked in from the outside as well. Floors need to be cleaned by sweeping and mopping frequently to remove debris and residue, but it is important that floors be thoroughly dried to avoid slipping on damp surfaces. Electrical cords and other wires must be arranged so they do not impede movement by staff and clients. Rugs and mats must be antiskid and secured so that the edges will not cause trip and fall accidents. Floor coverings must be made of material that can easily be removed to be cleaned thoroughly. Antiskid footwear should be worn by all staff of the facility as well as potential clients. Electrical and fire hazards The design, organization, and equipment in the facility must be inspected for electrical and fire safety to avoid injury from electrical shock, burns, and fires. Electrical hair and nail tools must be inspected regularly to ensure they are in proper working order. Cords and wires should not be frayed or show any burns, discoloration, or repairs with tape. Do not overload extension cords or outlets, which may trip the circuit breaker. Be sure the circuit breaker works properly to avoid fires, and never use old fuses. If too many items are plugged into a power cord or outlet, it may overload the circuit and cause a fire. Install safety equipment such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to avoid current overload and prevent shock. Be sure cords and appliances do not contact water or chemicals. Never touch any electrical cords, outlets, or appliances with wet hands. Keep flammable material away from any heat source or flame. Be sure smoke alarms are placed appropriately, exits are free of obstacles and clearly marked, and all electrical and fire The hazards of harmful chemical pollutants require the workplace to be ventilated, meeting OSHA guidelines. It is also important to keep the facility at the proper temperature for the comfort of staff and clients. The facility should have adequate space so employees have room to work and clients can be comfortable in waiting and service areas. safety regulations are followed. Other ergonomic considerations Bathroom, changing, and massage spaces should provide privacy. Massage and treatment areas should be peaceful and quiet as well. The facility should be properly lit, free from clutter, and organized with appropriate signage as required by the OAC and OSHA regulations. Décor and furnishings should be appropriate and comfortable for the clientele and represent the esthetic of the owner or management. The exterior and entry area must be free of any safety hazards and should provide a positive first impression to potential clients.
Book Code: COH0326A
Page 23
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