A Guide for Barber Professionals Liability and Risk Reduction Associated Hair Professionals ©2012. All rights reserved.

Module 1 Barber Liability

Session Objectives 1. Appreciate the need to protect yourself by obtaining liability insurance. 2. Summarize why barber professionals need liability insurance. 3. Contrast four different types of liability insurance. 4. Describe the types of claims typically made against barber professionals.

Case Studies Skin burn from steamed towels Allergic reaction to shave cream, exfoliant, or astringent Infected cut from clippers

Negligence Define liability risk exposure or occurrence. Who can get sued?

4 Questions to Ask Will they provide you with a copy of the policy for you to review? Does their policy cover you for all services you are performing? When does the policy come up for renewal? In the event of a claim, will it cover your legal defense? Do not assume you are covered by your employer, owner, or landlord. Ask the following questions to learn more about your coverage.

Discussion Court TV Were claims always valid? How did the cases turn out?

Types of Liability Insurance 1. General 2. Professional 3. Product 4. Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Form

Additional Concerns Additional Insured Endorsement (AIE) Requiring insurance of others Where to obtain liability insurance

Discussion How much coverage should a professional have? Why so much? What if you are a homeowner, property owner, or are perceived as having deep pockets? What if you don’t have any money?

Examples of Claims Made Against Barbers Product/equipment problems Injury caused by barber during the service Client suffers injury due to accident (not caused by service) Alleged problems with no real incident

Module 2 Risk Reduction

Session Objectives 1. Identify key risk reduction strategies. 2. Recognize what to do if an incident occurs. 3. Reinforce the reasons to obtain liability insurance.

Keep Accurate Records Always keep notes on every client visit. Document what treatment was done and which products were used.

Health History and Waiver Always have clients complete a health history, even if they are friends. Use waiver forms. Update forms regularly. Verbally review forms with client.

Maintain a Safe Work Environment Safety checks should be done (and documented) routinely. Clear distractions. Check tables or anything that supports the client. Beware of slippery surfaces (i.e., ice in winter). Clean spills immediately.

Relationships A strong relationship may prevent a client from suing. Use open communication.

Ensure Privacy Provide a private space to review health history or discuss issues. Never discuss a client case in front of another client, professional or friend. Don’t be overheard. Do not gossip.

Discuss Potential Risks Always counsel clients about risks with a product or procedure. Remind them of risks each time you see them. Document what you’ve discussed. Perform a patch test before treatment.

Check Heat Sources Unplug heat sources and small appliances. Limit the use of candles and always use candle holders. Remember that heat causes risk to both clients and property. Locate the nearest fire extinguisher.

Protect Clients’ Clothing from Chemicals and Dyes Avoid harming your client. Preserve your clothes. Protect your credibility. Always protect clients’ clothes.

Unsafe Procedures Do not practice outside of your scope. Do you not use products unless you have received sufficient, formal training. Don’t perform unproven or unorthodox treatments. Never put the client at risk with an unsafe procedure.

Use Caution When Applying Heat Heat is the greatest source of risk. Burns are very costly to treat. Loss and injury lead to significant lawsuits.

Check Equipment Daily Have a daily checklist to check all equipment. Place your checklist in a folder. Maintain for at least one year. Documentation can help your defense if you have a claim from equipment failure.

When in doubt… Refer Out !

Discussion Why are problems not felt immediately? Why is developing a relationship with clients so important?

If an incident occurs: 1. Assess injuries. Obtain medical help; seek treatment immediately. 2. Don’t admit fault. 3. Don’t get defensive or hostile. 4. Take photos, if possible. Write a detailed account of actions and conversations. 5. Contact your insurance carrier immediately. 6. Know what your carrier suggests before an incident happens.

Case Studies 1. What type of liability is this situation? 2. How could this situation have been prevented? 3. What immediate action should the professional take? 4. Complete the sample incident report.

Liability and Risk Reduction A Guide For Barber Professionals ©2012. All rights reserved. Developed and Sponsored by Associated Hair Professionals