Where The Injured
Go To Protect Their Rights

What illness and injury hazards do beauty industry workers face?

On Behalf of | Nov 14, 2022 | Workers' Compensation |

In California, establishments that offer beauty services like haircuts, manicures and pedicures are nearly always thriving. Some salons are so busy they are booked out months in advance.

As you might expect, salon success makes for hectic work environments. If you are not careful (and even if you are), a workplace injury could interfere with your physical condition and compromise your finances. Knowing the risks can improve your safety.

Hazards in nail salons

Those providing nail services often spend hours hunched over a table performing the same tasks over and over. These two factors—awkward positions and repetitive movements—can lead to joint, ligament, nerve and tendon injuries.

Nail salon employees also face numerous chemical and biological hazards every day. Examples include exposure to:

  • Bacteria, viruses and fungi
  • Formaldehyde (it can cause cancer)
  • Bloodborne pathogens (HIV, hepatitis, etc.)

Many of the products (polish, nail glue and polish remover) these salons use contain chemical agents linked to numerous health conditions.

Hair salon hazards

Workplace injury risks in hair salons are probably all around you. Standing for lengthy periods can cause musculoskeletal problems, plus workers face many slip-and-fall hazards (clutter, electric cords, wet floors, etc.). Other potential sources of injury include:

  • Sharp hair tools like razors, trimmers and scissors
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals like dyes and hair bleach
  • Damaged electrical equipment like blow dryers and curling irons

The beauty industry is probably perfect for you if you are passionate about grooming and want a reliable long-term income. Remain conscientious about the possible risks and exercise your right to seek workers’ compensation benefits if your work leaves you injured.