Workers’ Compensation: Do You Need It for Your Nail Tech Employees?

Owning a nail salon can be both satisfying and challenging. It can be fulfilling to manage a team of nail technicians while building relationships in the community, but hiring employees also carries its share of risks. That’s why obtaining workers’ compensation insurance is so critical for nail salon owners.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that financially protects business owners who have employees. If an employee becomes injured or sick on the job, workers’ comp for nail salons can help cover the costs associated with medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. 

What Are the Risks In Nail Salon Work? 

Nail salon technicians have their share of workplace risks.For example, the average nail technician may face (1):

• Chemical exposure: Nail products typically contain strong chemicals. Most nail technicians are exposed to acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl methacrylate (EMA) or methyl methacrylate (MMA) for acrylic nails. Long-term exposure to these products can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions. Some nail polishes also contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer.
  
• Cuts and punctures: Your salon nail techs likely use nail clippers, scissors, and files. Any of these sharp tools can cause accidental cuts. If the cuts aren’t properly treated and disinfected, even a small cut or puncture can lead to infection.
  
• Repetitive strain injuries: To create beautiful nails, salon employees perform the same motions over and over. They file nails, apply polish, and use electric nail drills. These small, repetitive movements can overuse a person’s muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints. Over time, the hands and wrists can become weak, causing painful conditions, like carpal tunnel syndrome. They’re also susceptible to shoulder, neck, and back pain.
  
• Burns: Technicians might face burns when using UV lamps for curing nails. They also handle hot water for pedicures. If the water gets too hot, they could suffer a severe scald.
  
• Infections: Hand and foot infections can spread in nail salons. Clients can expose nail technicians to fungus, athlete’s foot, warts, and a variety of other infections. In rare cases, bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C can spread to the employees.
  
• Slip and falls: Clients and employees can be at risk for slipping, tripping, and falling. These accidents can result in injuries, and you could be liable for medical bills and other associated costs.

And that’s not everything. While we aren’t trying to fear-monger, we are hoping to provide a little context for why nail salon professionals should consider workers’ compensation insurance. The right coverage can help take care of your employees, as well as financially protect your business.

Legal Requirements for Workers’ Compensation

Requirements vary by state, but If you have full- or part-time employees working in your nail salon, you may be legally required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Proof of coverage is important as well. If you apply for a permit or undergo a health inspection, you may be asked to show a Certificate of Insurance (COI). At Simply Business, we can quickly and easily provide a workers’ comp policy and COI through our website. 

A Few More Benefits To Consider

• Financial protection: Most importantly, workers’ compensation insurance relieves you from the burden of medical bills and lost wages. Without this coverage, you may be responsible for paying all of these costs, which could become sizable.
  
• A reduced risk of getting sued: When you have workers’ compensation insurance, your employees can receive financial compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses. In turn, this can lower your risk for a costly lawsuit.
  
• Meet state requirements: We mentioned this before, but it’s worth mentioning again: As soon as you hire your first employee, most states will likely require you to have workers’ comp insurance coverage.

How to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance

We’re experts in small business insurance. We can help you understand workers’ compensation requirements in your area. Take a few minutes to complete our online quote form. It’s a quick and easy way to see quotes from leading national insurers. And if you have questions, you also can contact one of our licensed agents at 844-654-7272, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).

Tools to Build a Successful Salon

We believe building and running a business is as important as protecting it. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Resource Center with more information on workers’ compensation, as well as other guides, tools, and tips for nail salon owners.

Take a moment to look at:

• The Basics of Workers’ Comp
• Insurance Myths That Nail Technicians Should Stop Believing
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: How to Know When You Need It

References:

1. www.osha.gov/nail-salons