Hazardous Work Conditions in an Unlikely Place ^Featured

Nail salons are extremely popular. It seems that one pops up in every plaza or mall – sometimes two are within fifty feet of each other! Women, and even some men, are obsessed with manicures and pedicures. It was recently discovered that the barely regulated businesses are guilty of wage theft and putting employees at health risk. Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered emergency measures to ensure the protection of those who work in nail salons in New York.

There are many salons that hire predominantly Asian and Hispanic women to work twelve hour shifts, hunched over tables and inhaling the fumes associated with a manicure. Some salons actually charge the workers to work at the salon and they barely make any wages… some live on tips alone. The exploitation of women working in nail salons has reached critical mass. It’s time to get help.

A multiagency task force will be formed to inspect every salon and provide rules and instructions for protecting nail technicians and manicurists from the dangerous chemicals in nail products. Governor Cuomo has also ordered that an educational campaign be initiated in six languages to make sure that every worker understands and knows their rights.

Apparently, many salons are guilty of not paying workers back wages. Many are unlicensed. These salons will be shut down. The New York Times recently investigated the exploitation of salon workers and their illnesses that are likely caused by the chemicals they work with as well as wage theft.

The new plan in New York State includes posting signs with workers’ rights, including the illegality of working without being paid.

Other measures in the plan include requiring manicurists to wear gloves. This will minimize their exposure to skin infections, warts, or chemical burns. Masks are currently worn in many salons, but they don’t protect the manicurists from the exposure to the fumes from the chemicals. These fumes have been linked to birth defects and leukemia. There may be a new type of mask required. Ventilation will also be inspected for proper reduction of fumes.

The NYS State Health Department will study the industry and make recommendations for the implementation and utilization of effective safety practices.

Salons will also be required to be bonded so that workers are paid their appropriate wages.

NYS is treating this as an emergency situation. They are rapidly responding the abuse in the nail salon industry. Workers, regardless of immigration status, will be assisted during the process. The task force will draw on the resources of several NYS agencies to help find the fastest way to put effective measures into place.

Meanwhile, if you go to a salon, ask about the treatment of the workers. Look at the ventilation. Feel free to ask questions. Even if you don’t live in NY, it’s likely your nail salon is suffering from some violations of workers’ rights. It’s time to fix up this growing industry that we take for granted. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want someone to suffer physically, economically, and medically so that my nails look good.