What types of injuries are most commonly reported by stylists in salons that do not practice ergonomics?

Hairdressers, aestheticians, spa workers, and barbers have similar functions when they work in a salon. They have to work with different clients from children to adults, and male to female. General tasks may include the following:

Talk to clients about their requirements and provide advice on hair care.
Shampoo, condition, and rinse hair.
Cut hair using clippers, scissors, or razors.
Provide services such as colouring, bleaching, applying treatment, permanent waving (with chemical solutions), straightening, and tinting.
Dry hair and style it using brushes, combs, curling or straightening irons, and other equipment.
Operate a cash register and computer.
Perform reception duties such as answering telephone calls and making appointments.
Sell retail products.
Maintain client records.
Clean the salon, work areas, and equipment.
Supervise apprentices.
Interact with customers who may be upset or angry (e.g., potential for harassment or bullying)
Be aware of customer actions while on the premises (e.g., be alert to potential issues or acts of theft).

There are several potential health and safety hazards associated with hairdresser's duties, including:

Biological hazards

Risk of contracting infectious diseases.

Chemical hazards

Exposure to chemicals such as aerosols in hair care, solutions, cosmetic and cleaning products, including the risk of some products that may cause cancer.
Skin and respiratory disorders from allergenic or irritating materials.

Ergonomic hazards

Standing for long hours.
Working in awkward postures or performing repetitive tasks.
Risk of pain or injury from lifting or carrying heavy loads. Repetitive strain injury.
Fatigue and other health problems from long hours of work.

Physical hazards

Noise due to equipment used, hair dryers, or people.

Psychological hazards

Work in staggered shifts.
Exposure to workplace violence.
Stress.

Safety hazards

Risk of cuts, bruises or burns from scissors, hairdryers, chemicals and other equipment.
Slips, trips and falls from wet and untidy floors, strayed wires and obstructed floors.
Electrical hazards.
Fire hazards.
Inadequate lighting (e.g., glare, low levels, etc.) can cause workers to adopt awkward postures.

Biological hazards

Chemical hazards

Determine which products contain hazardous chemicals or ingredients and label them properly.
Use a less harmful product where possible.
Read manufacturer's instructions on how to use products safely, including hair products, cleaners, etc.
Avoid contact with products that contain known cancer-causing ingredients or sensitizers such as certain hair dyes.
Train workers in WHMIS and safe handling of hazardous products.
Safely store and dispose of products.
Provide local exhaust ventilation where there is a risk of exposure to hazardous fumes.

Ergonomic hazards

Design the salon ergonomically:
- Provide workbenches, reception desks, washbasins (for tasks such as cutting, styling, shampooing, etc.) at the right height, and adjustable stools and chairs for sitting.
- Rearrange the work area so that the task, materials (shampoos, conditioners, dyes etc.), equipment (scissors, blow-dryers, etc.) and controls are within easy reach and do not require stretching or twisting.
Take regular rest breaks and exercise.
Rotate job functions to prevent overuse injuries.
Rotate washing/basin duty (to avoid prolonged contact with water).
Purchase scissors, blow-dryers, styling rods and rollers, gloves, etc., which are easy and safe to use.
Store frequently used, heavy objects, and material between knee and shoulder height.

Psychological hazards

Have good job design for a balanced workload.
Treat all employees in a fair and respectful manner.
Involve employees in decision-making and allow for their input directly or through committees, etc.
Take steps to help others and positive mental health promotion.

Physical hazards

Purchase equipment that is quieter.
Install sound enclosures or use noise reducing surfaces (e.g., sound dampening materials).

Safety hazards

Inspect tools and equipment and make sure they are in good condition.
Read manufacturer's instructions on how to use appliances safely.
Make sure all sharp equipment is disposed of in a safe manner.
Clean the floor at frequent intervals, and always as soon as there is a spill.
Clean and disinfect all equipment after each use.
Wear comfortable shoes with non-skid soles.
Maintain proper lighting levels.
Follow electrical safety measures
Train workers on fire safety.
Maintain a first-aid kit and have first aid training.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons and eye protection.
Make sure equipment such as gloves are made of the correct material for the chemical or product you are working with. There is not one material that will protect from all types of chemicals or products.
Wash immediately with water and soap after any skin contact with chemicals or products.

Document last updated on November 23, 2020

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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Workers in many different industries and occupations can be exposed to risk factors at work, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Exposure to these known risk factors for MSDs increases a worker's risk of injury.

Work-related MSDs can be prevented. Ergonomics --- fitting a job to a person --- helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity and reduces the number and severity of work-related MSDs.

Impact of MSDs in the Workplace

Work-related MSDs are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time.

A Process for Protecting Workers

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their workers. In the workplace, the number and severity of MSDs resulting from physical overexertion, and their associated costs, can be substantially reduced by applying ergonomic principles.

Implementing an ergonomic process is effective in reducing the risk of developing MSDs in high-risk industries as diverse as construction, food processing, firefighting, office jobs, healthcare, transportation and warehousing. The following are important elements of an ergonomic process:

Provide Management Support - A strong commitment by management is critical to the overall success of an ergonomic process. Management should define clear goals and objectives for the ergonomic process, discuss them with their workers, assign responsibilities to designated staff members, and communicate clearly with the workforce.
Involve Workers - A participatory ergonomic approach, where workers are directly involved in worksite assessments, solution development and implementation is the essence of a successful ergonomic process. Workers can:
- Identify and provide important information about hazards in their workplaces.
- Assist in the ergonomic process by voicing their concerns and suggestions for reducing exposure to risk factors and by evaluating the changes made as a result of an ergonomic assessment.
Provide Training - Training is an important element in the ergonomic process. It ensures that workers are aware of ergonomics and its benefits, become informed about ergonomics related concerns in the workplace, and understand the importance of reporting early symptoms of MSDs.
Identify Problems - An important step in the ergonomic process is to identify and assess ergonomic problems in the workplace before they result in MSDs.
Encourage Early Reporting of MSD Symptoms - Early reporting can accelerate the job assessment and improvement process, helping to prevent or reduce the progression of symptoms, the development of serious injuries, and subsequent lost-time claims.
Implement Solutions to Control Hazards - There are many possible solutions that can be implemented to reduce, control or eliminate workplace MSDs.
Evaluate Progress - Established evaluation and corrective action procedures are required to periodically assess the effectiveness of the ergonomic process and to ensure its continuous improvement and long-term success. As an ergonomic process is first developing, assessments should include determining whether goals set for the ergonomic process have been met and determining the success of the implemented ergonomic solutions.

Note: An ergonomic process uses the principles of a safety and health program to address MSD hazards. Such a process should be viewed as an ongoing function that is incorporated into the daily operations, rather than as an individual project.

Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendinitis
Rotator cuff injuries (affects the shoulder)
Epicondylitis (affects the elbow)
Trigger finger
Muscle strains and low back injuries

OSHA

Beverage Distribution Hazard Alert Letter. OSHA, (August 18, 2011).
Solutions for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Foundries. OSHA Publication 3465, (2012).
Guidelines for Nursing Homes: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. OSHA Publication 3182, (2003, Revised March 2009).
Guidelines for Shipyards: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. OSHA Publication 3341, (2008).
Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. OSHA Publication 3192, (2004).
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Poultry Processing (EPUB | MOBI). OSHA Publication 3213, (2004, Revised 2013). Also available in Spanish (EPUB | MOBI).
Ergonomics Program Management Guidelines for Meatpacking Plants. OSHA Publication 3123, (1993).

NIOSH

High Risk Occupations for MSDs