Workplace Health and Safety

Workplace Health and Safety Student Program
Hairdressing Industry (Continued)

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slippery and uneven floors in the workplace are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply tripping or falling over.

Factors that can cause a fall include when:

surfaces are slippery (e.g. unswept hair, surfaces are wet, polished or oily);
the surface texture of the floor is unsuitable;
footwear is unsuitable;
moving from one surface to another;
floor levels change;
equipment, tools, rubbish are causing obstructions in work areas;
stock blocks access ways;
steps and ladders are used incorrectly;
clothing is caught;
lighting is unsatisfactory; and
struck by a moving or falling object.

Other factors may have a detrimental effect on a person's behaviour or performance (e.g. exposure to chemicals or electricity) that may increase the risk of a fall.

In some workplaces, floor surfaces can be chemically treated to increase traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Many slips and trips in the workplace have involved young workers aged less than 25 years, and could have been prevented with training and safe work practices.

A fall can cause injury to the arms, legs, back, neck or head. Neck and head injuries can cause damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Many workers have suffered permanent disabling injuries or death as a result of a fall.

Ventilation

A lack of ventilation is a hazard and can be a risk to the safety and health of hairdressers.

Many of the substances used by hairdressers are hazardous substances.

Effective ventilation is needed in the Hairdressing Industry to control chemical contaminants and odours.

Employees must be provided with a comfortable working environment, including the control of heat and cold. For example, the use of hair dryers and other heating equipment can cause a build up of heat in the work area so air-conditioning at a constant, appropriate temperature is needed.

Electrical Safety

Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit and the current flows through their body. A fatal shock is called electrocution.

Hairdressers frequently use electrical appliances in work areas where water may be present. It is important to remember that electricity and water do not mix.

Accidents and deaths can result from equipment becoming "live" due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance or short circuit.

Electrical accidents are most often caused by a combination of factors such as:

a lack of training;
a lack of supervision;
inadequate work practices;
unauthorised electrical repairs;
poorly maintained equipment or installation; and
a hazardous workplace environment.

General Electrical Safety Tips

Keep your appliances in safe working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs.

Disconnect broken appliances and have frayed cords or broken powerpoints replaced.

Even after a piece of electrical equipment, appliance or machine has been disconnected from the power source, it may still partially operate. This is because of stored energy within the equipment. After disconnecting the power source, activate the appliance or machine to release the stored energy.

Always switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug.

Keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects. A damaged electrical cord can cause a fatal electric shock.

Know the location of your main electricity supply.

Use your appliance correctly. Read the instruction booklet and follow all instructions.

Electricity and water don't mix. Bare feet and wet skin lower the body's electrical resistance. Keep electrical appliances away from water and wet areas.

Don't overload circuits and fuses by using too many appliances from the one power point. Don't use double adapters to "piggy back" plugs. Use a power board with individual switches.

Only licensed electrical workers can be legally contracted to perform electrical work.