Lesson 3: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for Massage Therapists
Health, safety, and hygiene are of paramount importance in the workplace. A massage therapist needs to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards to avoid workplace illness and injury.
Occupational Safety and Health is concerned with enabling an individual practice his/her occupation while ensuring he/she is not sacrificing his/health. It deals with all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards.
This lesson discusses the several health and safety concerns for both the massage therapist and the client/customer.
Introduction
Health, safety, and hygiene are of paramount importance in the workplace. A massage therapist needs to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards to avoid workplace illness and injury.
Occupational Safety and Health is concerned with enabling an individual practice his/her occupation while ensuring he/she is not sacrificing his/health. It deals with all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards.
This lesson discusses the several health and safety concerns for both the massage therapist and the client/customer.
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Personal Hygiene and Sanitation
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are used especially when:
The client/customer and/or therapist has symptoms of contagious conditions which can be spread by contact or inhalation;
The client/customer and/or therapist has open or healing wound/s.
The PPE includes:
Mask
Gloves
Goggles
Hair Net
Face mask/shield
Comfortable loose clothes/scrubs
However, the use of these PPE always depends on the situation. Commonly, a massage therapist has required the following attire:
Scrub suit or spa uniform
Tied up hair
None or minimal make up
No accessories in the hands and feet
To control the spread of pathogenic microorganisms make sure to:
Wash and disinfect your hands before and after performing a massage;
Use new linens for every massage session;
Wear a clean uniform each day; and
Use a closed oil or lotion dispenser.
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Hazards
There can possibly be various hazards or risks in a massage spa/clinic. This includes physical hazards, biological hazards, chemical hazards, and ergonomics. Specific examples of these hazards or risks are:
Physical Hazards
Impact
Illumination
