Running a beauty business—whether it’s a salon, nail bar, or mobile service—means working in close contact with clients, using specialist equipment, and handling chemicals daily. While your environment may feel calm and welcoming, the risks behind the scenes can be significant.
That’s why carrying out the right risk assessments isn’t just best practice—it’s a legal requirement.
What is a risk assessment?
A risk assessment is a structured review of your workplace to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and put controls in place to protect employees, clients, and anyone affected by your business.
Under UK law, all employers and self-employed individuals must carry out a “suitable and sufficient” assessment of risks and take steps to eliminate or control them.
What risk assessments does a beauty business need?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” document. Your risk assessments should reflect the treatments you provide, the products you use, and how you operate.
However, most beauty businesses will need the following:
General workplace risk assessment
Your core assessment covering everyday hazards such as slips, trips, electrical safety, equipment use, and general hygiene.
Hazardous substances risk assessments (chemical safety)
If you use substances like hair dyes, nail products, acetone, or cleaning chemicals, you must assess and control risks within hazardous substances risk assessments.
To get support on this, you can download our free COSHH risk assessment template.
Treatment-specific risk assessments
These should reflect the services you provide, such as waxing, nail treatments, or advanced skin procedures.
Manual handling assessment
For lifting stock, moving equipment, or transporting mobile kits. Find a free manua lhanding risk assessment example here.
Fire risk assessment
A legal requirement in most premises, particularly where heated tools and electrical equipment are used.
Infection control and hygiene risk assessment
Essential due to close physical contact with clients, shared equipment, and potential exposure to bodily fluids.
Lone working risk assessment (if applicable)
For mobile therapists or staff working alone.
Additional risk assessments for specific groups
Young people (including apprentices and workers under 18)
If you employ young people, you must carry out a specific risk assessment for under 18s before they start work.
Young workers are more vulnerable to harm because they:
May lack experience and awareness of workplace risks
May be less confident to challenge unsafe practices
Are still physically developing
This means they must not be exposed to risks beyond their capacity, including:
Hazardous chemicals or fumes
Dangerous equipment or sharps without proper supervision
Excessive heat or physically demanding tasks
Key control measures include:
Providing enhanced supervision and training
Restricting high-risk treatments until competency is demonstrated
Ensuring tasks are appropriate for their age and experience
Clearly explaining hazards and safe systems of work
New and expectant mothers
You also have a duty to protect workers who are pregnant, have recently given birth, or are breastfeeding.
When notified in writing, you must complete an individual risk assessment to identify any additional risks.
In a beauty setting, this may include exposure to:
Chemicals or strong fumes
Prolonged standing or awkward postures
Manual handling tasks
Stress or fatigue
Control measures may include:
Adjusting duties to reduce exposure to harmful substances
Providing suitable rest facilities
Reducing manual handling tasks
Adjusting working hours if necessary
Offering alternative work if risks cannot be adequately controlled
If risks cannot be eliminated, you may need to temporarily suspend the employee on paid leave.
Main safety hazards in beauty businesses
Beauty environments involve a unique combination of risks. Common hazards include:
Chemical exposure: Products can cause dermatitis, asthma, or allergic reactions if not controlled properly
Burns and heat injuries: From hot wax, steam treatments, and heated tools
Sharps and cuts: Scissors, razors, and needles
Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors and poor housekeeping
Manual handling and posture-related issues: Repetitive work and prolonged standing
Electrical risks: Equipment used near water
Infection risks: Cross-contamination and poor hygiene practices
Why managing risks matters
Legal reasons
You must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations by protecting employees and others from harm.
Failure to comply can lead to fines, enforcement action, or even imprisonment in serious cases.
Financial reasons
Poor safety management can lead to:
Compensation claims
Increased insurance premiums
Business disruption and lost income
Reputational damage
Moral reasons
Your staff and clients trust you to keep them safe. Strong Health & Safety practices demonstrate professionalism, protect staff wellbeing, and build customer confidence.
Key control measures to reduce risk
Once risks are identified, you must implement practical controls. Priority should always be given to reducing risks at source.
Typical controls in beauty businesses include:
Safe handling and storage of chemicals
Good ventilation to control fumes and dust exposure
Appropriate PPE, such as gloves and eye protection
Regular equipment maintenance and electrical testing
Strict hygiene and infection control procedures
Staff training and supervision
Good housekeeping to prevent slips and trips
Ergonomic working practices to reduce strain injuries
Keep your risk assessments up to date
Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes, such as:
New treatments or products
New staff (particularly young workers or expectant mothers)
Changes to equipment or processes
Incidents or near misses
Need help with your beauty business risk assessments?
Understanding what risk assessments your beauty business needs—and ensuring they’re legally compliant—can be challenging.
Peninsula’s Health & Safety experts can support you with:
Tailored, treatment-specific risk assessments
COSHH assessments and chemical safety advice
Young worker and new/expectant mother assessments
Policies, procedures, and compliance audits
Ongoing expert support
Speak to a qualified adviser today and take the stress out of managing health and safety—so you can focus on delivering exceptional service.
