COVID FAQs for Hairdressers and Beauty salons in South Australia

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Posted October 18, 2021

Do any restrictions apply to hair and beauty services in South Australia?

Hair and beauty business can open in South Australia. Masks are required to be worn, except for the customer while receiving the service, if necessary, for the provision of the service.

 

What requirements do businesses need to comply with?

In all indoor settings, including hairdressers, beauty and personal care services, the 3 people per 4 square metres rule applies as long as customers remain seated.

Masks must be worn at all times but the customer can remove the mask if it’s necessary for the provision of the service.

 

Is it compulsory for my staff and customers to be vaccinated?

No. There is currently no order from the South Australian government which requires staff or customers to be vaccinated in the hair and beauty industry.

Can I direct my staff to get vaccinated, even though there is no government mandate?

In South Australia, where there is no vaccine mandate, employers should exercise caution prior to any vaccination mandate. Whether you can mandate or not comes down to whether a requirement to be vaccinated is a lawful and reasonable direction. Whether it is lawful and reasonable depends on all of the circumstances.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has released general guidance material as to what it believes is reasonable and divided employers into tiers with differing risks.

Hairdressing and beauty therapy salons will generally be categorised as Tier 3 work which is described as “interaction or likely interaction between employees and other people such as customers, other employees or the public in the normal course of employment”.

An employer is required to consult with staff prior to any major workplace change. Consultation is a requirement under Work Health and Safety (WHS laws) and is also required under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010.

You should seek specific advice from the HABA Advice line prior to mandating vaccinations for your staff.

 

Due to the limits on people within the premises, I can’t have all of my staff at work. What should I do? 

The employer will need to make a decision based on the specific requirements of the business. If the business employs casual staff, consider whether they will be required to attend work.

Other options include, but should not be limited to:

• Reaching agreement with staff to take paid or unpaid leave
• Reaching agreement with part-time employees to change rostering arrangements

 

Employers that are considering dismissing staff because they are not required should seek advice from the HABA Advice Line.

 

Do staff need to wear face masks?

Face masks provide an extra layer of protection and are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, particularly when physical distancing can’t be applied.

Masks must be worn at all times but the customer can remove the mask if it’s necessary for the provision of the service.

 

Where can I find more information?

Go to https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/faqs#personal

Note: The COVID-19 situation continues to change across Australia. Governments often change public health orders and accordingly our advice is also subject to change.

 

Do you require further advice?

For information or assistance, please contact the Hair and Beauty Australia Workplace Advice Line on (02) 9221 9911, which is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm AEST or email on info@askhaba.com.au.