In 2019, A Current Affair reporter Alex Bernhardt was hospitalised with septic bursitis in her elbow — an inflammation of the bursa caused by an infection. She was forced to spend three days in hospital on intravenous antibiotics. The cause? A small cut from her last manicure.
Alex’s experience encouraged other people to come forward with their salon horror stories, like Stella Falcone, who lost part of her finger after a manicure in Melbourne. And Sydney-sider Kim Stubbings, who needed two rounds of surgery after her finger became infected.
When it comes to healthcare and beauty therapy, cleanliness is non-negotiable. A strong hygiene culture ensures the wellbeing of your clients and staff while delivering high-quality, beautiful results.
In this guide, we'll explore how you can create a culture that prioritises good hygiene. From putting policies in writing to training your staff, every step plays a crucial role in building a healthy hygiene culture.
Hygiene culture in clinics and salons is a set of practices, standards, attitudes and values that prioritise cleanliness, sanitation and infection control. It's about creating an environment where everyone — from staff to clients — understands the importance of maintaining a hygienic space.
A clinic with a good hygiene culture will:
The foundation of any hygiene culture begins with clear and concise policies. Start by communicating your expectations to your staff through written guidelines and protocols, and encourage everyone to practice hygiene etiquette as the new norm.
Post signs throughout the facility to reinforce proper protocols. And don’t forget to regularly review and update your policies to ensure they reflect the latest standards and best practices.
Creating a cleaning schedule that is easy to follow will help you and your team create a strong hygiene culture in your clinic. Do this by:
Make sure your team knows the clinic's essential cleaning requirements and which staff member is responsible. It is important to assign specific cleaning duties to individual staff members to ensure they are carried out consistently and efficiently, and to avoid any confusion or oversight.
Putting proper infection control measures in place will stop the spread of pathogens within your clinic and create a stronger hygiene culture. Control the spread of infection in your clinic by:
Learn more about salon hygiene guidelines in our blog, Everything You Need to Know About Salon Hygiene: A Complete Guide.
Training your staff to have hygienic values is the key to building a healthy hygiene culture. Follow these steps to teach your staff about hygiene:
Creating a hygiene culture in your clinic doesn’t stop at you and your team — your clients also need to get involved. Here’s how to embed a hygiene culture into the mindset of your customers:
Incorporating a solid hygiene culture into your clinic is not just about meeting regulatory standards — it's about prioritising the health, safety and comfort of your clients and staff. Take the next step towards a cleaner, safer clinic with Purifas. Browse our range of hygiene solutions and elevate your clinic today.
Ensuring top-notch hygiene in therapy and allied health settings is vital for client safety. Shared equipment can easily lead to cross-contamination without strict hygiene protocols. Towels, frequently used in these environments, can harbour bacteria even after washing, posing risks to both clients and therapists. This guide will help you understand these risks, avoid common mistakes and implement the best hygiene practices, all while being environmentally conscious.