Hairdressers Insurance - this type of policy is usually a modified type of Shop Insurance contract. Hairdressers Insurance will cover all the usual sections of a Shop Insurance policy such as Contents, Stock Fixtures & Fittings etc but under the Liability section of the Hairdressers Insurance contract, cover is usually extended to include “ Treatment Risk”. Before you purchase a Hairdressers Insurance policy make sure that the insurance company have extended the policy wording to include Hairdressers Treatment Insurance cover.

In simple terms the treatment risk of the Public Liability (Products Liability) section of the policy extends the policy to include cover if any injury occurs to a customer whilst they are being treated. Whilst most policies can be extended to include this cover but you should always fully declare the types of treatment that you offer as some (in particular if you offer beauty treatments such as tanning, may prove a little harder to insure. Typical risks that can be covered include styling & dyeing of hair and cosmetic hair removal treatments.  As well as the above covers, your Hairdressers Insurance Package policy will include all the following sections normally associated with a shop insurance policy, these normally include:-

• Buildings

• Contents

• Business Interruption

• Public Liability

• Employers Liability

• Products Liability (Treatment Risk)

• Money

Other sections that can normally be added as optional extensions include, Book Debts, Goods In Transit, Personal Accident, Assault, Business Legal Expenses. All risks on Business Equipment.  The covers etc are practically identical to those found under normal shop insurance and if you require further help please visit this section of our site.

When calculating your sums insured for Contents Insurance under your Hairdressers insurance policy remember to include everything that is in the salon. Your insurers may want to know a separate amount for high value equipment such as electronic tills or computers. Also take in to consideration any fixtures and fittings or tenants improvements you have made, it is a good idea to have a comprehensive list as some items may attract a lower insurance rating.

If you frequently work away from your hairdressing salon, you may want to enquire about additional All risks insurance to cover your equipment. This cover will extend your normal policy to include loss or damage to items whilst you are away from your premises.

Stock should include all items that you use in the course of your business or sell to customers, it is a good idea to keep an inventory and receipts as in the event of a claim under your hairdresser’s insurance policy, your insurers may want to see these documents. Remember to include all; shampoos, hair dyes, bleaches, waxes, gels, lotions, mousses, nail & skin care products, straightening agents, brow & lash tints, chemical peels, peroxides * wax solvents.

All of these items should normally be insured under the Stock section of your policy.

We are living in an increasingly litigious society and whilst under a Hairdresser Insurance, we can insure against claims for legal liability; it is probably best to introduce some risk management techniques to help prevent accident s in the salon occurring.

Most accidents in a hairdressing salon take place when staff or customers trip over trailing leads or uneven floor surfaces. It is good practice to ensure that all cables and leads are secure. It also good practice to unplug all hairdryers and electrical equipment when not in use. The following may also be useful to you in keeping your hairdressing salon safe.

• Keep all areas of your hairdressing salon as clear as possible.

• Brush up on a regular basis and always clear up spillages as soon as they happen.

• Ensure that your Hairdressing salon is adequately lit.

• Always provide ladders to reach equipment stock that is out of reach.

• Always make sure that your Fire Exits are kept clear and they are well identified.

• Store your products; particularly aerosols or hazardous stock away from sources of heat and below room temperature if possible.

• Avoid gas portable heating units as they have a flame.

• Before leaving your salon at night, always make sure that all electrical appliances are unplugged.

• Always make sure that a qualified electrician inspects your electrical equipment including portable hairdressing equipment.

• Keep a log of all maintenance and electrical checks.

• Always ensure that your salon is fitted with adequate power points, avoid overloading power points.

• Ensure that all of your salon hot & cold water pipes are bonded and earthed

• Try to use the safest products available.

• Make sure that you assess all new products before you use them.

• Before storing products, make sure you read the manufacturers instructions about storage

• Always provide your staff with adequate product training and keep a records of the training provided.

When using aerosols in your hairdressing salon always ensure that the area is well ventilated, try to avoid inhaling the spray and make sure that the spray is kept well away from any infrared hair drying equipment. It is a good idea to ban smoking in the work place and certainly never smoke when using an aerosol can. It is a good idea to store aerosols in cool dry conditions.

Dermatitis - Dermatitis is the name given to an inflammation of the skin; people working in the hairdressing & beauty industry may be exposed to chemicals that can cause dermatitis.  It is good practice to make sure that for each chemical you use in your hairdressing ort beauty salon that you have the appropriate MSDS document, which will provide information about the substance in use. It is good practice to make sure that all MSDS documents are readily available.

We hope that these ideas will help you keep your saloon a safe place to work in, although insurance can provide you with cover against claims etc, it is not substitute for trying to prevent a claim happening in the first place. Avoiding claims under your hairdresser’s insurance policy can also help to keep your insurance premium costs down in the long run.