Ergonomics & musculoskeletal health Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Tool vibration from e-files and clippers — Maintain tools to minimise chatter; use cushioned grips; rotate vibration tasks and limit daily exposure minutes; warm up hands before shifts and stretch between clients; replace worn bits or blades at the first sign of buzz or tingling.
• Arm elevation for cutting and colour placement — Raise or lower the chair so elbows sit just below shoulder height; step in close to avoid reach; alternate arms and use section clips to reduce hold time; add 30-second shoulder resets between layers; note heights that minimise fatigue for repeats.
• Tool weight and balance mismatch — Trial tools before purchase; set maximum weights for dryers, clippers and shears; issue multiple handle sizes and grip options; check balance points quarterly; retire tools that pull the wrist into extension or require excessive force.
• Fatigue from back-to-back long services — Stagger intensive bookings with lighter tasks; insert micro-breaks between process stages; hydrate and snack briefly every few hours; cap daily hours for heavy techniques; rotate staff through recovery blocks during peak days.
• Repetitive blow-dry motions — Specify lightweight, balanced dryers and diffusers; keep elbows close to the body; switch hands mid-service; cap continuous blow-dry time before a brief recovery; align nozzle angle to reduce wrist torque; document tool choices that speed finishes.