Getting safety under your skin

Hairdressers with dry or itchy hands beware - you may be at risk.

Hairdressers work with a range of chemicals that can dry out and irritate their skin. Water, shampoos and chemicals such as hair colour and cleaning products may be causing damage to your skin.

One of the most commonly reported ailments from the hairdressing industry is dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) which usually affects the hands ¹. Initial signs and symptoms include dryness, itching or change in colour but, left untreated, they can escalate to painful blisters, swelling or cracking and bleeding.

Those who have suffered from eczema, hay fever or asthma in the past - even as a child - are more prone to skin irritations such as dermatitis.

Dermatitis is a preventable work-related disease and protective measures can be taken to minimise risks. Legally, employers must provide gloves for chemical work (perms, colouring), provide safety training, and encourage employees to report potential hazards and risks.

Staff should report symptoms to employers and seek medical advice if simple hand care does not reverse symptoms and skin changes within a few days.

It is recommended that duties such as washing hair are shared between staff to limit the time hands need be immersed in water. Safety training should include information on washing hands properly and advice such as removing rings before work to reduce the risk of water, soap or chemicals becoming trapped and causing irritation.

Applying an emollient moisturiser, such as Sorbolene, before, during and after work can also help prevent skin drying out and cracking, which is often the first sign of skin problems.

Employers and salon owners need to ensure employees are aware of the risks associated with their work and take all preventative measures possible to avoid injuries and skin problems.

Employers have a responsibility to:

train staff about potential risks and how to minimise them
provide protective equipment such as gloves and moisturising hand creams
encourage staff to report hazards
inform staff about workers compensation.

Employees have a responsibility to:

follow safety rules and report hazards
let their employer know about any previous skin problems
wear protective clothing provided, and
keep work areas clean and tidy.

Salon owners, managers and hairdressers can download information and resources from:

Australian Safety and Compensation Council website (non-Queensland Government)
Occupational Dermatitis Research and Education Centre (non-Queensland Government)
New Zealand Department of Labour (non-Queensland Government)

Download a copy of the Guide for the hairdressing, nail and beauty industry.

¹ Whilst there is a relatively small number of accepted worker's compensation claims (five per year on average in Queensland between 2002 and 2006) made to WorkCover, it is likely that the majority of cases are not reported.

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