Work environment safety and ergonomics in cosmetology

Beauty is a physical trade. You stand and sit for long periods, use your hands and fingers precisely hour after hour, and are surrounded by products, heat, water and tools. If you learn to take care of your body from the start, you can sustain the trade for many years. If you don't, wear and bad habits can shorten your career. Therefore, work environment is a professional discipline, not a side effect.

§Ergonomics — the body is your most important tool.

The typical stresses in the trade hit the back neck shoulders hands and wrists. This comes from static working postures fine motor work and many repetitions. You can do much by setting up your workplace correctly: a workbench at the right height a good chair and moving around the customer instead of twisting your body. Alternate between sitting and standing and take breaks where you stretch out.

• 01Set the bunks and chair so you work in a neutral body posture.
• 02Keep the work close to your body so you don't have to stretch or twist.
• 03Alternate between sitting and standing work throughout the day.
• 04Take micro-breaks and stretch — especially for your hands, neck, and shoulders.

§Skin, chemistry, and products

You have your hands in water, soap, cosmetics, and cleaning products all day, and it challenges your own skin. Hand eczema is a known occupational hazard in trades with frequent hand washing and product contact. Protect yourself with gloves where it makes sense, use a good hand cream, and be alert to whether you or a customer reacts allergically to a product. Also ensure good ventilation when working with products that emit vapors or odor.

§Safety with appliances and heat

Some treatments use equipment, heat, steam or sharp tools. Always read the instructions, maintain the equipment and use it only for what it is designed for. When working with wax, steam and other hot media safety is both about avoiding burning yourself and protecting the customer. Knowing the equipment's limits avoids most accidents.

§The psychological work environment

Work environment is not just about the body. You are very close to people you listen to their concerns about appearance and well-being and you need to be able to set boundaries in a friendly way. Busy days customer demands and working alone in a small clinic can strain your resources. A good professional community clear agreements about working hours and the ability to switch off after work are part of doing well in the trade.

§Who has the responsibility?

The employer has a duty to ensure a healthy and safe work environment — for example the right equipment instruction and reasonable conditions. But you also have a shared responsibility for using the equipment correctly speaking up if something is straining you and taking care of yourself in everyday life. If you become self-employed you wear both hats at once and then it is especially important to have the basics down.

“You can only give customers your best if you also take care of the body you work with.”