Washington – OSHA and the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division have created two documents aimed at informing nail-salon workers about their right to a safe workplace and fair wages.
The Nail Salon Worker Rights flyer and wallet card explain that exposure to certain salon products could result in serious health issues. The documents state that salons must provide Safety Data Sheets for hazardous products, detailing the risks and how to safely use and store the products.
The materials offer the following guidance:
- Use safer products. Some products state they do not contain the hazardous chemicals toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.
- Ventilate. Open doors and windows.
- Keep products away from skin and eyes. Wear gloves, goggles and long sleeves. Wash hands often, and keep food away.
- Store chemicals safely.
The move is one of several prompted by a recent New York Times investigation into health problems among nail-salon workers. On May 11, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) announced the creation of a task force to crack down on industry conditions and, on May 22, Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) requested stronger protections from OSHA.
