Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of both commercial business and workplace related accidents. In fact, slips, trips and falls are often reported as the most common causes of both workers’ compensation and customer-initiated claims.
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Tanning salons are especially susceptible to slip, trip and fall injuries due to heavy foot traffic combined with the use of spray-tan systems and tanning lotions – as well as the constant spraying of liquid cleaning solutions that are used to sanitize the tanning systems.
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Following are a few ways to proactively maintain your workplace environment and help lower the risk of injury to your employees and customers.
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1 Keep all hallways, treatment rooms and common areas clean, clear and dry at all times – especially spray-tan areas.
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This includes floors, equipment surfaces, seating areas, door handles and hand-rail supports.
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Pay close attention to the areas in and around spray-tan systems. Whether you use automated or hand-held devices, they generate over-spray that often spreads far beyond the actual tanning room.
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Spray-tan solution is extremely slick and the fine mist can adhere itself to floors and walls without being visible to the human eye.
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2 Ensure that the salon is well-lit, inside and outside.
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Most tanning salons focus on creating a relaxing, spa-like environment for their guests, and this often includes purposely dimming lights and darkening treatment rooms. While this may have the desired effect for relaxation, it also creates a potentially hazardous situation for customers.
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You must ensure that all hallways, treatment rooms, lobby and common areas, as well as all entrances and exits, are well-lit and free of debris and obstacles at all times.
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If you do darken rooms during treatments, you should also provide ways for customers to adjust lighting as needed as they undress, dress and exit the treatment area.
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Slips, trips and falls are often reported as the most common causes of both workers’ compensation and customer-initiated claims.
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3 Use non-slip rugs near equipment, entrances and exits.
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Many tanning salons have high-gloss tile flooring throughout the salon interior. And, most guests use your equipment while barefoot and apply lotions for each session. This combination creates a potentially hazardous situation.
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You can help protect your customers and employees by using non-slip rugs placed directly in front of each tanning and spa system. You should also install these rugs at entrances and exits. Customers track in water and grime on their shoes, especially during bad weather. This gunk can then spread throughout the salon.
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4 Secure all electrical, extension and power cords.
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Review each area of your salon to ensure that all electrical, extension and power cords are secured away from foot traffic and customer reach. This includes extension and power cords used on spa and wellness devices, fans, appliances and coffee makers – as well as phone and internet cords.
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When possible, run such cords under rugs or securely tape them down to the floor and away from foot traffic areas.
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5 Use caution signs to identify problem areas and address hazards immediately.
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All spills, slick areas and potentially hazardous situations should be addressed immediately – no delays and no excuses.
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Problem areas such as continuously wet or damp floors, lose tiles or anything that presents a hazard that cannot be fixed immediately should be clearly marked with a brightly colored, easy to read, OSHA approved caution sign.
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To help train your staff “How to Prevent Slips, Trips & Falls,” we have prepared a five-minute video that is available free of charge and online 24/7/365 at uiprograms.com/tanning
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