Bodywork and spa professions are physically taxing on the body but practitioners can avoid workplace hazards and injuries by paying close attention to their bodies and environments.
Toxic Exposure to Massage Products
In the February 12, 2009 edition of Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health [PMID 19221678] a Swedish study looks at two spa workers who got sick from exposure to products used in massages. The article “Acute effects of occupational endotoxin exposure at a spa” observed these two spa employees as they had fevers, diarrhea, shivering, palpitation and arthralgia. It was tied back to the seaweed product the workers were using on a regular basis.
On several massage therapy forums and message boards members have complained of environmental toxins from overexposure to massage creams and lotions, particularly with products that may contain harmful chemicals, additives and preservatives. They are not in large enough quantities to harm most clients but a massage therapist that encounters the same product day in and day out can develop sensitivity to it quickly.
The massage practitioner can research products that are free of harmful parabens which can effect the skin as well as having links to breast cancer. For more information on toxins and pollutants see the Environmental Working Groups’ Human Toxome Project.
Indoor Air Quality
According to the National Safety Council® indoor air quality can contain “higher concentrations of hazardous pollutants than outdoor air.” This can be especially true when products such as chemicals, cleaners, pesticides and such are used indoors. Creating a safer environment to work in should include steps to prevent indoor air pollutants.
Biohazards in the Massage Room
Every so often a bodywork practitioner will encounter a biohazard in the spa or massage office. This can be something slight such as sweat or drool, to something more widespread such as a prenatal client’s rupture of membranes and loss of amniotic fluid. To protect against exposure to bodily fluids the therapist can keep disposable gloves nearby as well as other designated supplies such as hospital-grade disinfectants, CDC compatible laundry protocols and appropriate waste receptacles.
Avoiding Spa Worker Burnout
Most self-employed and independent bodyworkers pace themselves to work within their body’s comfort zones. They know how many sessions they can safely and comfortable perform in a day, week and month. For the spa employee or practitioner the schedule can be much more rigorous and lead to a fast burnout. Pay is generally lower in this setting and therefore the therapist must see more clients to make the same wage.
In order to avoid burnout the practitioner should set specific rules for his or her work schedule. Some steps in the right direction might include taking longer breaks between sessions, receiving regular self-care such as weekly or bi-weekly massages, and knowing one’s personal maximum output. If the practitioner is most comfortable giving massage for a full day and then having a full day off for recovery the he should find an employer that understands this need.
Basic Safety in the Massage and Spa Professions
All staff members in a spa should be aware of safety protocols that protect themselves and their co-workers. Basic safety principles such as having a building evacuation plan, fire extinguisher, first aid kits, and appropriate storage of items that could be tripping hazards should be mandatory. If a client needs assistance getting on and off a massage table the practitioner should use caution to avoid injuring herself from the strain. Seek additional help when necessary and appropriate.
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