Hairdressing Risk Assessment Template for Australia

A hairdressing risk assessment is a comprehensive workplace safety evaluation that helps you identify, assess, and control the unique hazards present in your salon environment. Under Australian Work Health and Safety legislation, you have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of your workers and clients, making this assessment not just good practice but a legal requirement for your business.

When do you need this document?

You must conduct a hairdressing risk assessment when establishing a new salon, hiring new staff, introducing new equipment or chemical products, or following any workplace incident or near-miss. Regular reviews are also mandatory, typically annually or whenever you notice changes in your workplace that could affect safety. If you're planning renovations, changing your service offerings, or have received a safety complaint, a fresh assessment is essential. Work health and safety inspectors may also request to see your current risk assessment during routine compliance checks.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must address the primary hazards specific to hairdressing operations, including chemical exposure from hair dyes, bleaches, and styling products, which can cause skin sensitisation and respiratory issues. You need to evaluate physical hazards such as hot styling tools, electrical equipment, and slip risks from wet floors. Ergonomic risks from repetitive motions and prolonged standing require careful consideration, as these can lead to musculoskeletal disorders among your staff. The assessment must also cover infection control protocols, particularly important given the close personal contact involved in hairdressing services. You're required to implement control measures following the hierarchy of controls, prioritising elimination and substitution before relying on personal protective equipment.

Legal requirements in Australia

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, you must ensure your risk assessment meets national standards while considering any state-specific variations. The WHS Regulations 2011 provide detailed requirements for managing hazardous chemicals commonly used in salons, including proper storage, handling procedures, and safety data sheet management. You must maintain records of your risk assessments and make them available to workers and their representatives. The Hairdressing Code of Practice offers industry-specific guidance that should inform your assessment process. Your local public health authority may have additional requirements regarding hygiene standards and infection control protocols. If you employ workers, you must consult with them during the risk assessment process, and any health and safety representatives have the right to participate in developing and reviewing the assessment. Insurance providers often require evidence of current risk assessments, and failure to maintain proper documentation could affect your coverage in the event of a claim.