No modern society is wealthy enough to eliminate the societal risk arising from all infectious conditions and/or communicable diseases. As a result, all governments across the world have made judgements (either explicitly or implicitly) regarding the acceptable level of risk to the public arising from various activities and the degree to which the actions of government can minimize those risks. In the case of hairdressing, beauty therapy and skin penetrating activities, societal health risk management is implemented through public health licensing, inspection and enforcement. But how effective are these measures?
In response to these challenges a desktop study of public
health risks likely to arise from hair and beauty salons was conducted alongside
surveys and microbiological swab testing of salons. The purpose being to test
the public benefit with the statutory restrictions imposed on hairdressing,
beauty therapy and skin penetrating activities against the causal factors
influencing the transmission of diseases and what other methods are available
to governments to minimize the risks and protect the public. The most notable
finding was that education and training of hair and beauty therapists is
paramount in maintaining a suitable level of hygiene within salons. Public
awareness and education of infection risks is also vital. In order for national
benchmarks to be reached, this report has suggested that Tasmanian law-makers
in conjunction with industry representatives develop guidelines and or fact
sheets to increase awareness of, and provide education regarding appropriate
infection control measures and the public health risks associated with hair and
beauty salons.
 |
| www.blissdentalhygieneandbeautysalon.com |
Objective #1: (Why?) Highlight the issue: Increase awareness across all disciplines on how to
minimise risks involved in hair and beauty procedures, and the importance of
infection control. Highlight the impact of long and short term infections and
diseases contracted.
Objective #2: (Who?) Educate the educators: Create an education-based culture amongst EH
Professionals with regard to improving infection control in the hair and beauty
industry. Including application of existing resources, skills and knowledge to
improve understanding.
Objective #3: (What?) Commit to change: Development and implementation of practical
educational tools for use by Environmental Health Practitioners, thereby
fostering sustainable, process improvements using minimal resources in an
ever-changing landscape (What can be done?)
Interesting topic and example of posible smarter ways of acheiving good public health outcomes through education rather than compliance.
ReplyDeleteFantastic abstract and very topical! We definitely need more international awareness around education in this space, prevention is better than cure!
ReplyDelete