Back disorders occurs frequently in beauty salons. The Institut Saint-Laurent decided to take steps to reduce the risk of back disorders.

The task

Beauty work (massages, body care, hair removal etc.) necessitate leaning forward to take care of customers laid out on massage tables or beauty chairs for hair removal or facial or body care.

The work is repetitive and uninspiring. The working day varies from 8 to 10 hours.

The risks

Performing massages on working tables that are too low results in a poor working posture. The beautician has constantly to stoop and bend down. When she gets tired of bending forward, she moves into a position which is straighter but further away from the client, causing eye strain.

Two main risks stand out:
- a risk of lumbago
- a risk of eye strain

The methodology and solution

Following an increase in problems linked to backache (back muscle fatigue at the end of the day, chronic lumbago, surgery, the dismissal of an employee for back trouble etc.) a risk assessment was made.

It was decided to raise the operating table, by adding 20cm to the feet of the initial working table. In addition, a chair with hydraulics was bought and installed in the operating theatre.

The effectiveness of the results

The solution enabled a considerable reduction to the risk of lumbago through an improved working posture. This low-cost solution is perfectly transferable to all beauty centres.

The participation from the workers

Working meetings and discussions with employees were organised in order to work together to investigate solutions. Following this, the solutions discovered were put into practice.

The costs and benefits

Since the solutions were implemented, the improvement of workplace comfort and the reduction of back muscle fatigue, a significant reduction in the rate of absenteeism has been observed. In addition, beauticians are more dynamic and more efficient and service has been improved. The economic profitability of the Institut has increased and at practically no expense.

Entrepreneur’s testimony "The business has committed itself to improving working conditions and to preventing hazards to the health and safety of its employees (with their consent and participation). What has been done, has been done for the interest of the company and the people who work there".