Hairdressing, Nail Care, and Beauty
Industry Module

The hairdressing, nail care, and beauty industry offers exciting job opportunities for young workers, including those starting out as apprentices or trainees.

While most work takes place in salons and involves services such as hairdressing, barbering, nail care, beauty treatments, and tanning, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards that can come with these roles.

23.1%

Be Aware

of work-related injuries in this industry involve young workers.

That's nearly 1 in every 5.
Be sharp. Stay safe.

Module structure

  • 8 Sections

    Each with a quiz, followed by a fun ‘Spot the Hazard’ industry simulation.

  • 26 to 30 Minutes

    Estimated learning time

100% pass required, but don’t worry, you get unlimited attempts.

Staying safe in a stylish workplace

Salons may seem like safe and stylish places to work, but they can pose serious risks, especially for young workers.

Sharp tools like scissors and razors, heat-based equipment such as hair straighteners and curling irons, and even hypodermic syringes used in some cosmetic procedures can all lead to injury if not handled properly.

As part of their daily work, young workers  may be involved in a variety of tasks, including:

  • Hair services

    Cutting, styling, shampooing, conditioning, colouring, straightening, and perming hair.

  • Barbering

    Shaving and trimming beards and moustaches.

  • Nail and beauty treatments

    Performing manicures and pedicures, applying face treatments and makeup.

  • Salon hygiene

    Cleaning work areas and sterilising tools and equipment.

Each of these tasks comes with its own set of risks, making proper training and awareness essential for a safe and successful career in the industry.

Statistics

Top incidents causing injuries

These are the top incidents causing injuries to young workers in the hairdressing, nail care and beauty industry, based on a five-year average.

Other hazard hotspots you should know

  • Slips, trips and falls

  • Being hit by moving objects

  • Electrical safety

  • Contact with a chemical or hazardous substance

  • Indoor air quality

  • Infection control

Source

WorkCover WA claims data (2019–20 to 2023–24p), analysed by WorkSafe WA, 2025.

Notes

  • Calculations are based on a five-year total from 2019-20 to 2023-24p.
  • Percentages are based on all incident types; totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding or overlapping categories.
  • Injuries are measured by the number of LTI/Ds (lost time injuries/diseases), defined as one or more days/shifts lost.
  • The SmartMove hairdressing, nail care and beauty industry is classified under ANZSIC 2006 – Class 9511: Hair Dressing and Beauty Services.

Build your safety smarts?

Start SmartMove and cut through the risks—build the skills to stay safe, confident, and in control while working with sharp tools, hot equipment, and high-pressure tasks in the salon.

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