OSHA Targets Florida Beauty Salons and Manufacturers over Formaldehyde in Hair Products, Posing Risks to Workers and Consumers
A trip to a Florida hair and nail salon is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Consumers expect to emerge from a Fla. beauty shop looking better than when they went in. However, as experienced Miami, Florida product liability lawyers know from their work with clients, things can sometimes go horribly wrong.
For example, last fall, a woman from Southwest Ranches, Fla. filed an injury lawsuit against a Florida beauty salon after she claimed a hair dye procedure left her with a burnt bald spot on her head. According to news reports, the woman has a permanent bald patch on her head due to her injury sustained at the beauty shop. (Source: Salon sued after woman burned during procedure, WSVN-TV, Oct. 7, 2011)
While consumers may not always be aware of these kinds of incidents at hair, nail, and beauty salons, a Miami, Florida personal injury attorney knows of the potential dangers of the chemicals used in hair dye, highlights, perms, and straightening treatments. Body waxing and eyebrow waxing, as well as hand and foot soaks used in manicure and pedicure shops, can also pose risk for infection and other health and safety hazards.
Now the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is targeting Florida beauty salons for reportedly using the chemical formaldehyde in hair treatments, putting hair stylists and other employees, as well as consumers, at risk. They have also cited Florida hair care products manufacturers and distributors for the same issue. According to an OSHA news release,
OSHA also has issued citations to two Florida manufacturers and two Florida-based distributors of hair products containing formaldehyde for failing to protect their own workers from possible formaldehyde exposure as well as to communicate the hazards of formaldehyde exposure to salons, stylists and consumers.
Florida is among several states targeted by OSHA for using formaldehyde in hair straightening and hair smoothing products. According to a warning issued by OSHA earlier last year, formaldehyde can cause serious health risks if breathed in or if the chemical comes in contact with the eyes. OSHA believes this chemical poses both a work related hazard to stylists and other hair salon employees, as well as to the customers. The OSHA investigation reportedly stemmed from complaints by employees who had concerns over exposure to the chemicals.
Miami, Fla. product liability attorneys follow industry developments such as these, where manufacturers, distributors, and service providers may be held liable in cases where people are injured due to toxic products and/or negligence.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also involved in this investigation over Florida hair care products. The FDA issued a warning letter to the importer and distributor of Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution -- citing mislabeling of products as "formaldehyde free" and danger of formaldehyde being released during use of the products.
Florida Accident Attorney resource:
Hair and Beauty Salon Accidents Including Eyebrow and Bikini Waxing Injuries
Sources:
US Department of Labor continues to cite beauty salons and manufacturers for formaldehyde exposure from hair smoothing products
OSHA News Release Dec. 8, 2011
Hair Smoothing Products That Could Release Formaldehyde
OSHA Hazard Alert Update Sept. 22, 2011



