The Nail Salon Workers Program (NSWP) is a dedicated program that supports the health and safety of those who work in nail salons. The program is housed at Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (PQWCHC), a community-based health service organization located in south-west Toronto. Program activities are done together with nail technicians and partner agencies such as community organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare organizations. Focus areas of the program activities include training and capacity building; research, policy change and advocacy; partnership building; and, program development.
Through program activities, the Nail Salon Workers Program aims to learn about working conditions, reduce negative health impacts, and advocate for healthy and just work environments for nail technicians and salon owners.
Our History
The Nail Salon Workers Program was initiated in 2013 as a result of client concern, health promoter initiatives and community connections. Through partnership, the program began by researching the risks nail technicians face within the discount nail sector, while understanding the barriers to lowering those risks. In learning the risks and barriers, the program began to develop activities that lower the risks and barriers nail technicians experience. Some of the initial program activities included educational outreach and supporting the development of advocacy groups. In 2017, PQWCHC and the Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic supported nail technicians in forming a Nail Technicians’ Network (NTN) and chairing the Healthy Nail Salon Coalition (HNSC).
Over the years, the program has continued to expand educational resources, research, and advocacy. As a result, the program has grown into a multidisciplinary response to the health and employment issues in the discount nail salon sector.