Non-binding Guidelines for the Hairdressing Sector

The non-binding guidelines for the hairdressing sector are part of jointly agreed activities to support an autonomous implementation of the European Framework Agreement on the Protection of Occupational Health and Safety in the Hairdressing Sector.

The first part of the guidelines emphasises the importance of carrying out a risk assessment in every hairdressing salon. The European framework directive stipulates that every employer has a duty to ensure the safety and health of workers in every aspect related to the work. Risk assessment helps employers to identify the risks and take appropriate prevention measures. To support employers of the hairdressing sector in carrying out a risk assessment, the guidelines provide links to online tools such as:

• the OiRA tools for the hairdressing sector;
• tools available in EU member states (Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain)
• tools available in countries outside the EU (Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom). 

The second part of the guidelines focuses on specific issues for the hairdressing sector: 

• The workplace;
• Training and education;
• Musculoskeletal disorders; 
• Skin diseases;
• Respiratory problems;
• Tinnitus, auditory damage and fatigue due to noise at work.

The guidelines are completed with a list of useful links to brochures, studies and other resources. 

 

Publication details

Published by: European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Publication date: December 2021

Number of pages: 23 pp.