OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recently provided salons with a handy guide called Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures, but did you know that you can also request a free on-site consultation for your salon?

During the on-site consultation, the OSHA representative will:

> Walk through the worksite with the employer and employees

> Review company injury and illness rates

> Help identify hazards in the workplace

> Identify kinds of help available for further assistance

> Give detailed findings in a closing conference and provide a written report summarizing findings

> Assist the development or maintenance of an effective safety and health program

> Provide training and education for the employer and employees

> Recommend the site for a one-year exemption from OSHA programmed inspections, when SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) criteria are met

No citations or penalties are issued at an on-site consultation, and confidentiality is strictly maintained. The employer’s only obligation is to commit to correcting serious job safety and health hazards.

To request an on-site consultation, find the consultation center closest to your salon’s location at www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/consult_directory.html.

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