Workplace hazards in hairdressing: “Let’s explore new options for creating awareness”

Coiffure.org by UBK, the Association of Belgian Hairdressers, not only represents the hairdressing industry in Belgium, they also inform, train, protect and create awareness among hairdressers across the nation. “We issue several publications on workplace hazards, prevention and well-being”, Stéphane Coigné explains. “And yet we are struggling to eliminate some of the most common occupational incidents.”

Here is an overview of the most common occupational risks among hairdressers, based on data collected by Mensura and Coiffure.org:

1. ergonomic stress and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), e.g. due to poor posture, repetitive tasks or overuse of wrists, elbows and shoulders;
2. skin problems such as eczema caused by long-term exposure to water, hair colouring products, shampoos and other chemicals;
3. respiratory illnesses (e.g. asthma) due to poor extraction or air-conditioning systems, exposure to hairspray, etc.;
4. eye and ear injuries caused by hairdryers and chemicals;
5. stress due to high workloads, demanding customers, etc.  

To assist hair salons and their staff with the prevention of these health issues, Coiffure.org has made a number of sector-specific tools readily available:

• OiRA, an online risk analysis for hair salons;
• an awareness video on ergonomics and skin protection;
• Work (It) Out posters to help prevent ergonomic health issues;
• the Risktrainer brochure on industry-specific risks;
• a collection of tips at coiffeurfute.be (Dutch and French);
• a visual overview of occupational risks on the CBA poster;
• publications on working as a hairdresser during pregnancy;
• several tools developed under the scope of EU project ‘A Close Shave’

“We offer freely accessible, visual information”, Stéphane Coigné explains. “Hair salon owners can use all this information to increase awareness among their staff.”

Coiffure.org is always looking for new opportunities to promote the well-being of hairdressers nationwide. Stéphane Coigné: “We are currently exploring an innovative solution for the prevention of skin irritations. In addition, we regularly update our training modules for hairdressers who are new to the industry.”

“In addition to innovative solutions and the freely available tools, we believe there are a few simple changes hairdressers can implement to prevent health issues, such as rotating shifts to introduce regular variation in tasks and reduce ergonomic stress on the body.”

Given the many awareness programmes available, why is there still a substantial lack of occupational risk prevention in this industry? “We need to cultivate more intrinsic motivation in hairdressers”, Stéphane Coigné suggests. “Employers can play a key role in this. They can help emphasise the importance and personal relevance of workplace prevention among employees.”

The chairman believes there are several other options ahead for creating more awareness. “We can try and spread the message more effectively by involving the cosmetics industry, for instance. After all, they are partly responsible for the well-being of workers in the hairdressing business.”

Stéphane Coigné concludes by pointing out that politicians in Belgium could learn from other countries when it comes to workplace prevention. “In Germany and France, employers receive bonuses as a reward for workplace prevention efforts. This is just one of the options worth exploring in Belgium.”