Wrist Injury Prevention
Posted on August 2019 By Tracey Cemo
Did you know that work-related hand and wrist injuries are one of the most common work-related injury type. Injuries range from being relatively minor to very severe, most commonly involving the fingers in the form of open wounds and in some cases even amputation.
The manufacturing, wholesale & retail and construction industries sustain hand and wrist injuries in the course of work most commonly. This is probably due to the tasks being undertaken and the equipment being used which has the potential to exert large forces directly or indirectly to the hand and wrist.
HOW TO PREVENT THESE TYPES OF INJURIES?
There are three primary steps in preventing injuries that will help in any workplace: PPE, awareness, and training.
Most hand injuries are the result of not wearing gloves or wearing the wrong gloves for the job. Make sure you have access to quality gloves that fit well and are right for the task. Awareness requires a two-pronged approach: YOU need to be aware of potential risks and how to avoid them. Additionally, you need to stay aware of your surroundings and how you’re moving through them.
Common causes of workplace injuries are distraction, fatigue, or not paying attention. Always be aware of where you put your hands and the potential risks in the environment. Eliminate distractions or hazards like clutter. PRACTICE BETTER HAND HEALTH Prevention is as much about avoiding injury as it is also about improving wellness. Hand, finger, and wrist stretches will reduce stiffness and improve dexterity.
