COVID FAQs for Hairdressers and Beauty salons in Tasmania

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Posted October 18, 2021

Do any restrictions apply to hair and beauty services in Tasmania?

Hair and beauty services can open in Tasmania with very few restrictions.

The number of people within the premises of the business cannot exceed 1 person per 2 square metres, therefore there cannot be more than 25 people in a salon if the floor space measures 50 square metres.

A maximum of 250 people are allowed in a salon with undivided floor space at any one time.

 

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

No. There is currently no order from the Tasmanian government which requires vaccination for staff and customers in the hair and beauty industry.

 

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

In Tasmania, where there is no order vaccine mandate, employers should exercise caution prior to any vaccination mandate. Whether an employer 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 the introduction of any mandatory vaccination policy.

 

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.

There is no requirement for staff or customers to wear a face mask while performing/receiving hair and beauty services, but staff are encouraged to wear a face mask where practicable to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

 

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 they should seek advice from the HABA Advice Line.

 

Where can I find more information?

Go to https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/business-and-employees/business-restrictions

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.