Sarah thought her Ohio grooming salon was doing everything right, great reviews, loyal customers, and a fully booked calendar. But one afternoon, an employee slipped on a wet floor and broke their wrist.
The result?
$25,800 in OSHA fines, legal fees, and workers’ comp claims
Three days of forced closure
A major blow to team morale and business reputation
All of this could’ve been prevented with a simple non-slip mat, proper signage, and safer footwear.
We know how hard it is to wear all the hats in your business, including grooming, client management, staffing, and bookkeeping. Safety can feel like one more overwhelming thing on your plate. But the good news is that compliance isn’t about massive renovations or expensive consultants. It’s about quick, affordable fixes that protect your people, your pets, and your peace of mind.
Most grooming business owners think OSHA compliance is only for big corporate salons. If you have even one employee, you need to be OSHA compliant. This isn’t about red tape; it’s about responsibility, professionalism, and creating a workplace where your team feels safe and valued.
Here’s what skipping safety could cost you:
OSHA violations: Fines start at $1,000 per violation
Workers’ comp claims: Average $40,000+ per injury
Staff turnover: Harder to replace in today’s hiring crisis
Insurance hikes: Non-compliance drives premiums up
Reputation damage: Priceless and painful
Now compare that to spending under $1,000 on safety upgrades. Which feels smarter to you?
You don’t need months or big budgets. These are changes you can start right away:
1. Fix Your Electrical Setup
Swap household cords for UL-certified commercial-grade
Install GFCI outlets near bathing/drying stations
Use cord covers to eliminate trip hazards
Hire an electrician—don’t DIY
2. Invest in Real PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Nitrile gloves (latex-free)
Splash-resistant goggles + an eyewash station
Decibel-rated ear protection
Waterproof, non-slip footwear
Professional grooming aprons
3. Upgrade Air Quality & Ventilation
Commercial-grade dehumidifiers
Proper ventilation near dryers/chemical-use areas
HEPA air purifiers
4. Use Anti-Fatigue Mats at Every Station
Reduces slip risks
Supports back, leg, and foot health
Choose beveled edges to avoid trip hazards
5. Post the Right Safety Signage
Wet floors
Emergency exits (illuminated)
Chemical hazards
Electrical hazards
💡 Bonus: Label every chemical bottle correctly. Unlabeled spray bottles are OSHA violations and a hazard to your team and pets. Use OSHA-compliant bottles, proper labels, and keep updated Safety Data Sheets for every product to be safe.
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OSHA-COMPLIANCE
3 PDFs to help you build, grow, and protect your business
This doesn’t have to take months. Here’s a quick 3-day strategy:
Friday: Walk through your salon and note safety gaps.
Saturday: Shop for what you need (Home Depot, ULINE, Amazon OSHA store).
Sunday: Install upgrades, train your team, and create a daily checklist.
Monday: Reopen knowing your business and your people are better protected.
OSHA compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines, it’s about leadership.
It shows your staff you value them, your clients that you’re professional, and your business that you’re ready for growth.
These fixes are simple, affordable, and achievable this weekend. Don’t wait until something happens - step into the next week confident that your salon is safer, stronger, and more professional than ever.