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 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-tanning areas.
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This includes floors, equipment surfaces, seating areas, door handles and handrail supports.
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Pay close attention to areas in and around spray-tanning systems. Whether you use automated or manual systems, these devices generate over-spray that often spreads far beyond the actual tanning rooms.
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Spray-tan solution is extremely slick and the fine mist can adhere itself to floors and walls without being visible.
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2. Ensure that the salon is well-lit, inside and outside.
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Most salons focus on creating a relaxing, spa-like environment; this often includes purposely dimming lights and darkening treatment rooms. While this may have the desired affect for relaxation, it also creates a potentially hazardous situation for guests.
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You must ensure that all hallways, treatment rooms, lobby and common areas, as well as all entrances and exits, are always well-lit and free of debris and obstacles. If you do darken rooms during treatments, you should also provide ways for guests to adjust lighting as needed as they undress, dress and exit the treatment area.
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3. Use non-slip rugs near equipment, entrances and exits.
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Most salons have high-gloss tile flooring throughout, and most guests use equipment while barefoot and apply lotions for each session. This combination creates a potentially hazardous situation.
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You can help protect guests and staff 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. People 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 facility 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. When possible, run such cords under rugs or securely tape down to floors 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, loose floor tiles or anything that presents a hazard and cannot be fixed immediately should be clearly marked with a brightly-colored, easy-to-read, OSHA-approved “caution” sign.
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Free Video Helps Train Your Staff
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To help train your team on “How to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls,” we have prepared a FREE five-minute video available online 24/7/365, please visit uiprograms.com/tanning.
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