Comprehensive Legal Services For Those Contending With Injuries And Disabilities

Being a nail technician is hazardous to your health

On Behalf of | Sep 27, 2018 | Construction Workers' Accidents |

Many Ohio residents enjoy getting manicures and pedicures. In response to that demand, most cities and towns have at least one nail salon. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that approximately 375,000 people work in nail salons across the country.

People who don’t spend their days in these establishments don’t understand the hazards as much as you do. It’s more than just filing and painting nails. In fact, you could suffer numerous injuries and illnesses from a variety of sources.

Ergonomics may be absent

You probably find yourself sitting in the same position a good portion of the day. In addition, you spend time performing the same motions and actions. You could go home each day needing to nurse aches and pains that never quite seem to go away, or you could suffer an acute injury such as a sprain or strain. In either case, you may find it uncomfortable to work.

Chemicals are part of the business

One thing you can’t get away from working in a nail salon is the chemicals. Nail glues, polishes and other compounds used in salons often contain hazardous chemicals such as the following:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Dibutyl Phthalate
  • Toluene
  • Methacrylate compounds

If your employer fails to provide you with the equipment you need in order to keep you safe, you could develop a respiratory illness such as asthma, along with the following:

  • Reproductive issues
  • Liver disease
  • Skin disorders
  • Cancer

You could experience more than just these illnesses from the chemicals you work with and around every day.

Other sources of illness

The chemicals are not the only source of potential illness. Your clients and co-workers may also cause you to become ill. Contact with blood, infected nails and infected skin could lead to illnesses such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. You could also end up with a fungal infection or some other skin issue under these circumstances.

Most of the injuries and illnesses suffered by nail salon workers tend to come on more slowly. This means that you may dismiss it as being caused by your work environment. If you do end up ill or injured, you may want to look at your work environment first. Some of the health issues suffered by salon workers keep them from being able to return to work. You shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay your bills under these circumstances, so it may be a good idea to seek out information regarding your rights and options.