The Covid-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the importance of high standards of hygiene in all aspects of society. But this was no surprise to salon owners, who have long adhered to rigorous rules and protocols around cleanliness and other good practices.

What is a Safety Statement?

To comply with the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005, all employers are required to hold a written Safety Statement. This is a commitment by an employer to maintain standards of health and safety, and is established by identifying workplace hazards and completing a workplace risk assessment. It should influence all work activities from recruiting competent staff to choosing the right equipment and materials, to work practices and processes. Many insurance providers are requesting to inspect these health and safety documents ahead of issuing the policy, which many businesses are unaware of, so it’s worth checking that yours is up to date.

How do you get one?

Before you compile your Safety Statement, you’ll need to conduct a risk assessment to see what could cause harm or loss in your particular situation. Here are some things to consider:

Hygiene

Every part of the salon – furniture, fittings, equipment large and small, floors and walls – should be kept spotlessly clean. Any waste should be taken away regularly and stored appropriately. Ensure you have toilet and hand-washing facilities (with hot water and soap) that are kept clean, well ventilated and well lit. It is also good practice to supply potable water.

Workplace ergonomics

Workspaces and treatment rooms should have sufficient free space around them for therapists to be able to work in comfort, and exit quickly in an emergency. If the work is undertaken while sitting, suitable chairs with good support for the lower back should be provided. Maintain your premises to a pleasant temperature – 13-16C is comfortable, but it may need to be higher in areas where clients are semi-clothed. Examine windows, doors and skylights. Is it safe for the user to open them, and when open are you sure they do not pose any undue risk? Allow sufficient width and headroom around your space to allow users to circulate freely. Check the floors – are there holes or slippery surfaces that might cause a fall?

Fire safety and maintenance

Pre-plan for emergencies and have a fire evacuation plan in place. Ensure all members of staff are familiar with it by regularly practising fire drills. Are emergency exit signs clearly visible? What hazards can you identify in your salon and what steps can you take to minimise them?

Position fire extinguishers and blankets in accessible, logical locations. Ensure all areas are maintained – the physical building, machinery and equipment, and particularly electrical equipment that might develop damage (for example to cables) over time.

Ventilation and lighting

Can windows be opened easily and safely? If not, mechanical ventilation systems should be used. Is there sufficient light for therapists and stylists to work safely, and is the space sufficiently bright for all users to move around without risk? Look for hazards such as floor-standing lamps and trailing cables.

More information about compiling a Safety Statement can be found at www.hsa.ie.

What happens next?

Aside from your Insurance company, a Safety Statement will be of interest to a range of other agencies and individuals. This might include your employees and their representatives, clients, and landlords. You’ll need to get it reviewed annually, to reflect any changes in your business operations and staffing.

With over 40 years’ experience, Britton Insurance prides itself as a knowledgeable Salon Insurance provider with a commercial department dedicated to providing you with a bespoke quotation suitable to your requirements. We are aware that no two salons are the same but as a broker, Britton Insurance has a variety of insurance providers based in Ireland and abroad which means we can offer competitive quotations for hairdressers or beauticians, whether salon-, home- or mobile-based.