Reducing Common Losses for
Salons, Day Spas, Barber Shops
and Cosmetic-Related Businesses

Below is an article from State Farm® about loss prevention recommendations for cosmetic related businesses.

Your business is exposed to many hazards that can cause disruptions to your daily operation. Here are a few suggestions on ways to reduce your chances of loss from some of the most common losses in your industry.

Injury to Customers

One of the greatest risks to your business is the potential for injuries to your customers from the professional services* you provide. Taking great caution to use chemicals, equipment and tools as directed by their manufacturer is crucial to reducing the chance of customer injury. Proper training and experience of employees, and independent contracted operators, is also a significant component to providing a safe environment
for your customers.

• Properly clean all tools with a hospital grade disinfectant, or by using an Autoclave, after every use. Use freshly laundered or disposable towels for each client.
• Obtain the customer’s history of previous products health related issues, and any prescription drugs being taken that may have a reaction to the products being used.
• Test the chemicals on each customer by using skin patch tests or hair strand tests, to ensure no adverse reactions.
• Store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated receptacle, tagged for: “No Smoking” or “Flammable” exposures, including nail polish remover (Acetone), nail polishes, glue and alcohol.
• Contain chemically soaked rags and towels in an airtight receptacle to prevent spontaneous combustion.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should be maintained for each chemical used in your business, as a quick reference for operators and emergency personnel.

*Professional liability covers you financially against costly claims
and lawsuits arising from the beauty services you provide to your
customers. Talk with your State Farm® agent to determine if this
coverage is right for you.

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

Preventing slips, trips and falls by employees, customers and visitors can be best accomplished by:

• Conducting detailed inspections of the business on a regular basis, including the interior (lobby, stairwells, restrooms and janitorial closets, supply rooms, etc.) and exterior (sidewalks, parking lots, entrances and stairways, etc.
  • Maintain adequate lighting
  • Promptly secure and clean up spills
  • Repair torn, loose or missing flooring
  • Repair broken, raised, tilted and cracked sidewalk
    sections
  • Ensure all steps on stairways are not deteriorated and/ or loose to prevent slips
  • – Keep walkways clear of tripping hazards, such as extension cords, boxes and supplies
• Develop and enforce housekeeping rules and schedules
  • Provide periodic safety training to help employees recognize and address potential hazards
• Identify and correct hazards immediately
  • Document inspections and corrective actions taken to have records of your due diligence
• Post warning signs as an alert of the hazard while repairs or
  cleanups are made

Inspecting Your Premises

Periodically checking your property or place of business can help you recognize, address and eliminate hazards to create a safer environment for employees, customers, tenants or visitors. State Farm® has a free Sample Property Hazards Checklist to assist you. Inspect the applicable areas in your business, such as:

• Exterior
• Interior
• Storage areas
• Kitchen/bath areas
• Restrooms

Ergonomics

Ergonomics can help boost productivity and remove potential risk factors in the workplace by making process adjustments that keep in mind the capabilities and limitations of the worker.

• Minimize repetitive motions and/or alternate motions with other tasks.
• Avoid awkward movements, vibrations and forceful exertion of arms and hands.
• Arrange your work and your workstation to avoid reaching, bending, twisting and awkward postures.
• Take mini-breaks when performing strenuous tasks so you can stretch and relax tense muscles and give them a chance to recover.
• Do not lift, carry, push or pull more than your physical capabilities – get help or use mechanical aids.
• Pay attention to your body and seek prompt treatment for injuries.

Crime

Burglary and robbery are some of the greatest sources of crime losses for small businesses, but there are steps you can take to reduce your vulnerability.

Burglars choose targets that are easily accessible, so make your business uninviting and hard to gain entry.

• Make sure your business is well lit, both inside and out.
• Eliminate hiding places around your building, including overgrown shrubbery, vehicles and dumpsters.
• Make it difficult to gain entry by installing deadbolt locks, burglar bars and windows with burglar-resistant film.
• Secure air conditioning units with a lock or a metal cage, so it is more difficult to access valuable copper wiring inside the unit.

Additional measures can be taken to increase the likelihood the burglar will get caught.

• Install an alarm system with alarm company signage.
• Consider an alarm that will detect and alert against
  unauthorized entry via doors and windows.

If the burglar is able to gain entry, limit the amount of loss by making it hard to remove valuable items.

• Anchor a safe in a well-lit area to store cash, checks and
  other valuable items or merchandise.
• Make bank deposits daily, leaving only petty cash on hand.

If you are interested in learning more about these free resources, or would like to request free loss control services for your State Farm-insured business, please contact the Business Lines Loss Control unit at (844) 892-8286, write us at LossControl@statefarm.com at statefarm.com/losscontrol.