Occupational Health Hazard and Illnesses Awareness among Hairdresser and Nail Salon Worker’s: A Case of Kinondoni Municipality Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Bigambo, Francis Manyori (2017) Occupational Health Hazard and Illnesses Awareness among Hairdresser and Nail Salon Worker’s: A Case of Kinondoni Municipality Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Cosmetologists and consumers often assume hairdressing, nail salons and the products used are safe. Unfortunately they are subjected to various occupational health risks such as some of chemicals ingredients used in nail and hair products have been tied to cancer, miscarriages and lung diseases. Other problems are due to prolonged standing, poor ventilation, poor lighting and unhygienic practice. This study assesses occupational health hazards and illnesses awareness among hairdresser and nail salon workers. By using questionnaire and interview a total of 264 workers participated in the study whereby 34.47 % (91) are hairdressing, 14.77% (39) nail services and 50.76% (134) hairdressing and nail services. Results shows that majority 88.64% (n=234) are affected with musculoskeletal disorders, 82.58 (n=218) physical injuries, dermatitis 73.86 (n=195), fungal infection 61.36% (n=162), respiratory problems 54.17% (n=143) and infectious diseases 37.88% (100). Other occupational health illness reported by some of respondent includes, nail infection 25.76% (n=68), tuberculosis 21.21% (n=56), Ulcers 9.85% (n=26), cancer 6.44% (n=17), and reproductive or birth disorder 5.30% (n=14). Safety advocates are encouraged by the increased awareness but want better safeguards for salon workers. Although people thought consumers are more vulnerable, but workers in both nail and hair salons can be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Clearly, action is needed to improve conditions for salon workers and to help create and ensure healthier workplaces in the future. It can be recommended that,the operation of beauty salons should be regulated by the government such that the premises is licensed once the physical design and facilities used meet a minimum standard, Salon workers should meet a minimum level of training in relation to the services offered among many other relevant criteria.

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