Halloween season can be a hauntingly good time, both in and out of the workplace. But costumes, decorations and specialty products can also create a few hazards that aren’t part of the everyday routine.
A Few Tricks of the Trade
A little planning can go a long way when Halloween fun makes its way into the salon or spa:
- Dress for the job. Costumes should be festive, but they also need to work with the job. Long hems, flowing sleeves, masks and oversized accessories can limit visibility or movement, particularly around chemicals, sharp tools and equipment.
- Keep beauty products beautiful. Dramatic makeup, temporary hair color, glitter and other specialty products may be part of the Halloween fun, but creativity still needs guardrails. Use products intended for cosmetic purposes, follow manufacturer instructions and check for known allergies or sensitivities when appropriate. Keep craft glitter, adhesives, and other products not designed for use on the body away from clients.
- Prepare for a busy salon. Halloween promotions and events may bring more guests through the door, including children and clients in costume. More activity can mean more spills, trips and distractions. Make sure someone is keeping an eye on floors and walkways, cleaning spills promptly and keeping reception and service areas clear.
- Stay within your expertise. Halloween can inspire special treatments, creative add-ons and limited-time promotions, but festive doesn’t mean anything goes. Before offering something new, make sure employees are properly trained, products and equipment are being used as intended, and the service falls within the salon’s usual professional practices. A seasonal promotion shouldn’t introduce risks your team isn’t prepared to manage.
- Plan for the unexpected. Make sure employees know what to do if something does go bump in the salon. Review how to respond to, document and report an incident so everyone is prepared before the Halloween rush begins.
Halloween may last only one night, but a claim can linger long after the decorations come down. A few simple precautions can help keep seasonal hazards from becoming costly problems. Before the festivities begin, take a few minutes to look over your space, services and safety practices. That way, the only surprises this Halloween are the ones you planned for.
Happy Spooky Season!
Kathy Lopez, Account Manager for SASSI, the Salon and Spa Specialty Insurance program at Brownyard Group. She can be reached at klopez@brownyard.com.
