People’s hands are an important part of the human body. They are used constantly for many chores and jobs, at home and in the workplace. In fact, hands are money-making tools since almost all occupations necessitate the use of hands. Without hands, people won’t be able to do routine office jobs, what more those jobs that need manual handling, manipulation, and dexterity.
How can hands be kept in good working condition and protected from the elements, overuse, misuse, accidents and hazardous substances?
- Take regular breaks to rest the hands.
Repetitive tasks, such as typing on a computer, may cause Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), which includes tendonitis of the hand or wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome. The usual symptoms are: hands or wrists hurt or go numb or tingle, losing strength or coordination in the hands, such as dropping things. When hands start to feel strained or cramped, taking ten-minute breaks throughout the day can help reduce the likelihood of RSI.
- Do hand exercises regularly.
RSI occurs to people when their hands do the same motions, again and again, every day. Performing hand exercises on a regular basis could help prevent injuries caused by repetitive movements. The following hand exercise loosens stiff fingers, hands, and wrists. When completed daily for a few months, hands will become more flexible.
Step 1: Starting with the right hand, gently extend the fingers back one by one.
Step 2: Then return them to the original position all at the same time. This will help to stretch open the palm. Repeat several times.
Step 3: Take the thumb back towards the wrist, then bring it forward, stretching gently and firmly. Finish by making a fist and opening it slowly, stretching the fingers and thumb out as far as possible.
Step 4: Put the palms together, fingers pointing upwards, simulating the praying pose. Stretch the fingers and press palms together strongly. Gradually lower the hands until they are horizontal while keeping the base of the palms pressed together.
Step 5: Then take the hands down still further, fingers and upper palms together. You know you’re doing it correctly if you feel the stretch on the insides of your fingers and wrists. Hold the position for a few seconds, then repeat.
- Wear proper work gloves.
Proper work gloves guard against on-the-job injuries. Hazards and risks vary depending on the industry and there are different types of gloves that provide appropriate protection for particular hazards. Sturdy gloves made from metal mesh, leather or canvas protect the hands against cuts and burns. Latex and rubber nitrile gloves protect workers’ hands from acids, alkalis, salts and other chemicals and against contact blood or other potentially infectious materials. Bastion Pacific Pty Ltd can offer more information regarding this matter. They are Australia’s leading nitrile gloves supplier online and they provide a huge range of options.
- Wash hands appropriately.
There is a wide variety of soaps, detergents, and germicides available for washing. Especially for health care workers, appropriate hand-washing and glove use will reduce the possibility of the spread of infectious organisms from patient to staff, from patient to patient, and from staff to patient.
- Maintain the skin health of the hands.
Excessive hand-washing and use of soaps, detergents, and germicides could lead to dryness and chaffing of the skin. To prevent these effects, moisturisers and special hand-and-nail creams could be used to keep skin supple and to prevent dryness and painful cracks.
Hands have to be taken care of and protected so that they could be used for jobs for as long as they are needed and ensure that people continuously earn a living with the use of their hands.
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