The Hairdressing, Cosmetology, and Beauty Industry face the risk of numerous occupational diseases due to exposure to chemical, physical, and ergonomic hazards. The use of chemical and cosmetic products and prolonged standing can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, allergic reactions, and musculoskeletal disorders.
What is an occupational disease?
According to COIDA, an "occupational disease" means any disease mentioned in the first column of Schedule 3 arising out of and contracted in the course of an employee's employment.
Occupational diseases include:
Diseases caused by chemical agents (e.g. exposure to toxic chemicals)
Diseases caused by physical agents (e.g. hearing impairment caused by noise)
Diseases caused by biological agents (e.g. infectious or parasitic diseases)
Occupational respiratory diseases (e.g. Occupational asthma caused by soldering or welding fumes)
Occupational skin diseases (e.g. contact dermatitis)
Occupational Musculo-skeletal disorders (e.g. rapid or repetitive motion)
Occupational cancer (e.g. Asbestos)
We have included a link to Schedule 3 below for quick reference:
Occupational diseases in the hairdressing and beauty industry may include allergic contact dermatitis, irritating contact dermatitis, respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis caused by inhaling fumes from products like formaldehyde and acetone, musculoskeletal disorders like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and back and neck pain resulting from repetitive hand and wrist movements. Harsh chemicals coming into contact with the eyes can cause chemical conjunctivitis and infections can occur through contact with contaminated tools, surfaces, or products. Cancer can also result from prolonged exposure to UV lamps used for drying nails or tanning beds. Additional risks are also posed due to poor ergonomics, prolonged standing, and awkward postures while working with clients.
These health risks underline the need for awareness, preventive measures, and workplace safety standards to ensure the well-being of hairdressing and beauty professionals.
An overview of some known occupational diseases associated with hairdressing, cosmetology, and beauty workplaces and services:
Occupational Skin Disease (OSD): Cosmetologists frequently develop OSD related to workplace exposures. The main cause of OSD is “wet work”, or a high amount of exposure to water as well as soaps, and shampoos during client care and hand-washing. Among OSD cases, contact dermatitis accounts for 90% to 95%.
Contact Dermatitis: This is a common skin condition that occurs due to contact with an irritant or allergen. It’s more common than allergic contact dermatitis.
Mechanical Injury: This often results from contact with scissors, razors, or other tools/equipment. It can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.
Allergies and Rashes: These conditions range from allergies, rashes, and irritations caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to chemicals or frequent handwashing, to infections contracted from clients who have hair and scalp disorders.
Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Hairdressers and Beauticians are exposed to a variety of preservatives, hair dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals in many beauty products, including formaldehyde, acetone, and paraphenylenediamine.
Latex Allergy: Frequent use of latex gloves can lead to the development of latex allergy and contact allergy to rubber accelerants.
