Safe Work Month week 2 starts 12 October

Safe Work Australia's new 12 October 2026 week-two campaign focus helps Perth hairdressers review wet work, posture, product exposure and fatigue.

Abby's take

What this means for the industry — and for independents

Industry impact. Safe Work Australia's new weekly update focuses on long-term physical and psychological workplace health rather than announcing a new salon licence.

For freelancers. Independent hairdressers can improve diary spacing and work routines, while shared venues may need to address basins, ventilation and other facilities.

My take. Follow the whole day from colour preparation to cleaning, identify where strain repeats and choose an improvement with a review date, rather than filing away an unused checklist.

What I'd do next

Map a normal service day, including chemical mixing, rinsing, styling, breaks and any sustained scheduling pressure.
Check product safety information and raise ventilation or maintenance concerns with the responsible venue operator.
Review reaching, wrist repetition, basin setup and fatigue before selecting a practical risk reduction.
Record one important hazard, its existing controls and a concrete improvement to review the following week.

Watch-out. This guidance depends on the particular service, workspace and business. Check official requirements, professional advice and the terms that apply to you.

What happened on 12 October

Safe Work Australia began National Safe Work Month week two, 'For health: What WHS protects', on 12 October 2026. It highlights longer-term physical and psychological health risks.

Map a real hairdresser workday

Walk through setup, colour work, rinsing, cutting, styling and cleaning. Note repeated movements, product exposure and rushed booking transitions.

Pay attention to wet work

WorkSafe WA identifies hairdressing as an occupation where contact dermatitis can occur. Follow product instructions and review suitable protection and safe work practices.

Check workstation strain and fatigue

Assess basin height, trolley access, standing time, awkward reaching and whether the diary leaves sensible breaks. Review psychosocial pressures as well as physical risks.

Choose one change that lasts

Identify one priority risk, a more effective control and who will act. Review the result instead of treating the campaign as a new regulatory deadline.

Official source and important limits

Safe Work Australia, 12 October 2026: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/national-safe-work-month-2026-week-2 . WorkSafe WA: https://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/contact-dermatitis .

Check current guidance for your own circumstances. This article does not claim a universal price, guaranteed result or a new law unless the cited authority says so.

Review your business readiness

Use a practical business self-check alongside your service safety review.

Get your Freelancer Business Score

Disclaimer: General information only, not legal, health, tax or financial advice. Check applicable guidance and commercial agreements.

Common questions

Did a new hairdresser law begin on 12 October?

No; this is an awareness-campaign update rather than a new salon-specific rule.

What does week two focus on?

Long-term physical and psychological health and more effective hazard controls.

Where can I check WA safety guidance?

Use current WorkSafe WA resources and seek qualified advice for your working arrangements.

Next step at The Beauty Basement

Make the next decision with confidence

Use the facts, realistic costs and a clear action plan.