Ergonomics and Young Salon Workers: New Jersey Safe Schools Task Force on Cosmetology 2010-12

The UMDNJ-School of Public Health's NJ Safe Schools Program (NJ SS) created a Task Force (TF) to consider environmental and occupational safety and health issues related to cosmetology programs offered through NJ public schools. The targeted programs were hair styling, nail and skin care. One objective was increased education through a poster provided to salon employees, managers, and landlords on proper use of personal protective equipment. Posters will be modeled on existing personal hygiene posters with a focus on wearing closed toe, flat, cushioned supportive shoes to prevent chronic back pain and poor posture (prioritized ergonomic issue). Students will design them with teacher supervision and NJ SS will print and disseminate to school districts and salons. After statewide meetings and focus groups with schools and agencies in 2010, 19 cosmetology teachers and school administrators participated in a survey in spring 2011 and focus groups in fall 2011. The focus groups were held at six county vocational-technical education schools. The feasibility of a poster contest and its potential impact for educating salon workers about ergonomic issues was discussed. Fifteen participants (79%) were interested in the contest. Every teacher asked for more details and provided contest rules ideas, including deadline, materials used, etc. Teachers noted students would be excited to do the poster on this topic-- winning is “enough” of a prize. A poster contest is a good way to get safety and health information about ergonomic issues in cosmetology into school settings and salons to target young adults and new workers.