FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY COMPLIANCE IN SALONS, SPA's & WELLNESS ESTABLISHMENTS

In a previous article, we unpacked the key compliance expectations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), with a specific focus on what inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) look for in salons, spas, and wellness centres.

In this continuation, we shift our attention to what truly sustains safety in the workplace: cultivating a culture where occupational health and safety is an integral part of everyday operations not merely a compliance obligation.

Our industry carries inherent risks, from the use of sharp instruments and chemical products to close physical contact with clients and the operation of electrical equipment. As such, creating a safety-first culture is critical and not only for legal compliance but to ensure the protection of your team, your clients, and your business.

Fostering a Culture of Safety in Salon and Spa Environments

A genuine safety culture is established when all staff members, regardless of position instinctively follow best practices without prompting. In such environments, safety is embedded in behaviours, communication, and workflows. It is not the responsibility of one individual, but a shared commitment upheld by the entire team.

Below are professional strategies tailored specifically for beauty and wellness businesses:

1. Leadership Sets the Standard

Owners, managers, and senior stylists/therapists lead by example. When leadership consistently follows safety protocols such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting tools and treatment areas between clients, and adhering to chemical storage procedures it sets the standard for the entire team.

Professional Practice Tip:

If a client arrives while a stylist/therapist is sanitising a treatment room/area, use this as an opportunity to reinforce your hygiene standards. This reassures the client and reinforces the business’s professionalism.

2. Integrate OHS into Daily Procedures

Occupational health and safety practices should be woven into daily operational routines, not treated as occasional add-ons. Integrating safety protocols into opening, closing, and in-between service procedures promotes consistency.

Examples of Best Practice:

• Opening checks: Confirm fire exits are unobstructed, PPE is available, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are accessible.

• Between clients: Disinfect all work surfaces, tools, beds, and basins as part of the reset process.

• Closing procedures: Log sanitation tasks, check chemical storage, and ensure proper laundry handling.

This consistency prevents avoidable risks and ensures compliance becomes habitual.

3. Make Safety Visible and Accessible

In a fast-paced salon or spa environment, staff members are more likely to adhere to procedures when information is readily available and clearly displayed.

Suggestions:

• Display treatment-specific PPE protocols in each service room.

• Post visual guides for first aid, evacuation procedures, and tool sanitation.

• Use QR codes to link staff to digital versions of safety protocols and MSDS.

This promotes real-time access to essential information without disrupting workflow.

4. Create a Non-Punitive Reporting Environment

Employees must feel comfortable reporting hazards, injuries, equipment faults, or client incidents without fear of reprisal. Encouraging transparency helps to prevent recurring issues and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

Establish a clear, judgment-free reporting process whether through paper logs or digital submissions and communicate that the intention is preventative, not punitive.

5. Recognise and Reward Safety-Conscious Behaviour

Acknowledging and rewarding individuals who consistently follow health and safety protocols can reinforce desired behaviour and create a culture of accountability.

Recognition may include:

• Acknowledgements in team meetings

• Small incentives or vouchers

• Safety performance commendations

Positive reinforcement cultivates pride in professionalism and encourages others to follow suit.

6. Tailor Training to Specific Roles and Services

Generic training is rarely effective in our industry. Safety education must be relevant to the specific services offered and the risks associated with each role.

Examples:

• Hair Stylists: Safe handling of chemicals, use of heated tools, and ergonomic posture.

• Beauty Therapists: PPE for waxing, facials, chemical peels, and micro-needling; sharps handling.

• Nail Technicians: Chemical exposure safety, dust inhalation precautions, and sanitation of instruments.

Where possible, use real-life case studies to increase relatability and awareness.

7. Addressing Part-Time and Casual/Temporary Staff

Many wellness businesses operate with flexible or rotating teams. This can challenge consistency, but it is crucial to ensure all team members receive adequate and ongoing safety orientation.

Practical Approaches:

• Ensure all staff, including part-time and casual/temporary workers, complete OHS onboarding.

• Schedule seasonal refresher briefings, especially before peak periods.

• Incorporate safety compliance into performance reviews and discussions.

8. Mobile and Off-Site Services: Safety Beyond the Premises

For stylists/therapists who offer mobile treatments or participate in corporate wellness events, OHS responsibilities remain in force even outside the physical spa or salon.

Essential Mobile Safety Practices:

• Carry a compact, fully stocked first aid kit.

• Ensure PPE is packed and used appropriately.

• Sanitize tools and surfaces between each location.

• Document any client reactions or incidents.

Managers should ensure mobile staff are equipped with clear mobile protocols and digital access to essential safety documentation.

9. Addressing Ergonomics and Mental Wellbeing

OHS includes more than physical hazards. Repetitive movements, poor posture, and emotional fatigue also affect health and performance.

Supportive Practices Include:

• Regular breaks and hydration reminders

• Ergonomic stools, mats, and adjustable workstations

• Training on lifting and body mechanics

• Open-door policies for reporting stress and burnout

Promoting overall wellbeing is vital to maintaining a safe, motivated, and productive team.

Final Thoughts: Safety as a Brand Standard

In a service industry built on trust and touch, safety is not just a compliance issue it is a brand imperative. When clients feel confident in your hygiene and safety practices, they are more likely to return and recommend your services. When staff feel supported and protected, they perform at their best.

Creating a culture of safety is not a one-time initiative it is a daily commitment, upheld collectively. When safety is embedded in the culture, compliance becomes effortless, inspections become routine, and your business thrives with integrity.

In our next follow-up article, we will explore:

• Common compliance pitfalls observed during DoEL inspections

• Real-world examples of OHS breaches in spa and salon settings

• Practical steps to strengthen internal safety systems and protect your business