Welcome to your Salon Owners United (SOU) Health & Safety Guidance – an essential resource created specifically for UK salon owners to help you understand and meet your legal responsibilities for running a safe and compliant salon.
As an employer, you have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect the health, safety, and welfare of your staff, apprentices, self-employed workers, clients, and anyone else who may be affected by your business activities. This includes ensuring your salon is a safe environment, that risks are properly assessed, and that appropriate training, supervision, and equipment are in place.
This guidance has been developed for SOU Members to make health and safety compliance clear, practical, and salon-specific — covering everything from COSHH and PPE to fire safety, accident reporting, and managing young or pregnant workers.
Please read this entire document carefully. It applies to all salons operating within the UK and references current UK legislation, including:
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
⚠️ Important: This guidance is for informational purposes only. It is designed to support your understanding of your legal obligations but does not replace professional health and safety advice. You remain responsible for ensuring your own compliance with UK law and any local authority or insurance requirements.
By following this guidance, you’ll not only meet your legal obligations — you’ll also create a safer, happier, and more professional environment for your team and clients.