COVID FAQs for Hairdressers and Beauty salons in Western Australia

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Posted October 18, 2021

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

Hair and beauty businesses can open in Western Australia with very limited restrictions.

No capacity limits are in place but staff should stay 1.5 metres away from clients where possible and practise good hygiene.

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

No. There is currently no order from the Western Australian government requiring 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 Western Australia, where there is no 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.

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 introducing any policy of mandatory vaccination.

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 and customers are encouraged to wear a face mask where practicable to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

Where can I find more information?

Go to https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-what-you-can-and-cant-do

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.