Ergo Project Citations

1. Standing on feet all day

Flat shoes keep your feet flat on the floor

Wear shoes with support and cushion
Use anti-fatigue mats
Whenever you can
Walk
Elevate one foot
2-4 inch block (2)
Support your weight on both feet. People who are on their feet and standing in the same spot
for a long period of time get into the bad habit of not putting their weight on both feet, (3)

Standing is a natural human posture and by itself poses no particular health hazard. In fact, when
standing for short periods of time, the body is in one of its most comfortable positions. The lumbar
curvature is naturally maintained, the spinal column is properly supported and the bodys internal organs
are in a relaxed, natural position. However, working in a standing position on a regular basis can cause
the following:
Sore feet;
Swelling of the legs;
Varicose veins;
General muscular fatigue;
Low back pain; and
Stiffness in the neck and shoulders. (7)
2. Carpal Tunnel
Individuals most at risk:
Anyone spending long periods of time in one position or doing a limited set of motions without
frequent breaks is at risk
-

Musicians
Industrial workers, especially assembly line workers
Factory workers
Hair stylists
Individuals working in meat processing (5), etc.

Although the number of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome among U.S. workers has been
declining, the resulting number of reported days away from work remains high [13]. This lost
work time and decreased employee productivity have led employers to develop organizational
approaches to managing employee health, safety, and productivity, with an emphasis on
prevention and returning employees to work as quickly as possible (4)

3. Chemicals
hand rash is the most common health effect in salon workers (2)
Risk of allergic rash is increased by
Eczema
Rash due to irritation (2)
Both irritation and allergy can cause severe rash (2)
Chemicals can cause eye injuries:
Chemical burns
High pH
Ammonia
Hydroxides
Can result in permanent injury and loss of vision (2)
Breathing in chemicals that cause allergic rash can also cause asthma and hayfever (allergic
rhinitis) (2)
Certain chemicals can trigger other allergic reactions (2)
Work as a hairdresser may increase risk of reproductive problems (2)

Hazards from Formaldehyde:

Very irritating
Eyes and nose
Cough and wheeze
Allergic reactions
Asthma-like symptoms
Skin rash
Reproductive hazard
Known carcinogen
IARC Group 1
Nose & throat cancer
May also cause
Leukemia
Sinus cancer (2)

4. Lighting (Perhaps change to infection spread prevention)

Visible and IR radiations from artificial lights are unlikely to have any effects on health, unless they are
extremely intense and used at close range. (6)

4a. Infection Spreading Prevention

Infection can be spread by:

Breathing in cold and flu virus or touching your eyes, nose, and mouth before washing your
hands
Contact with infected skin
Direct contact with infected blood
Infections in the blood are not spread through casual contact.
Intact skin is a good barrier (2)

Wash all tools after each client

Dispose of single use tools
Wash your hands after each client (2)

Footbaths can spread infection

Do not perform pedicure on clients with broken skin
Follow the regulations for cleaning of footbaths every day
Tell clients not to shave their legs within 24 hours of pedicure (2)

5. Cables/ chords Trip Hazards

Ensure adequate electrical outlets at each workstation

Do not overload outlets
Do not use multiple power strips
Use one appliance at a time
Do not use equipment that has a damaged cord
Do not use electrical appliances in areas where you come into contact with liquids (2)
Re-route cables overhead if possible
Unplug equipment when not in use
Keep area around workstation clear
Sweep up hair after each client
Clean up after using glossers or shine sprays
Mop up any wet areas immediately to prevent falls (2)

NEED MORE DATA AND OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE

References:
1.) http://www.ergonomicssimplified.com/professions/hairdresser
2.) https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CDoQFjAE&
url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.osha.gov%2Fdte%2Fgrant_materials%2Ffy12%2Fsh-2354012%2FCosmetology.ppt&ei=pp5NVOn6IYnMggSnoKwDg&usg=AFQjCNGD1M1EtAyAHAMYKo8ZSczHlczpw&sig2=HlJIPcz0nagIO5gsJ5VuNA&bvm=bv.77880786,d.eXY&cad=rja
3.) http://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/work-and-health-41/occupational-health-news507/hair-dressers-646462.html
4.) http://www.netce.com/coursecontent.php?courseid=846
5.) http://dps.missouri.edu/resources/Handbook/repetitive.pdf
6.) http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/artificial-light/en/l-3/1concerns.htm#0p0
7.) http://www.whsc.on.ca/Files/Resources/Hazard-Resource-Lines/Prolonged-Standing-WHSCResource-Line