Did you know that nearly half of the non-fatal occupational injuries requiring days off work are related to hands?
Some common superficial injuries to your hands include cuts, punctures, lacerations, and abrasions. More serious injuries can include crush injuries, fractures, and amputations.
Aside from inflicting pain, these injuries can have long-term implications on your career. While it’s clear that tradespeople need to take precautions to protect their hands, many don’t realize why or how to do it.
If you're among the majority of workers who don't take proper care of their hands, here are four reasons why you should start:
All trades involve the skilled use of hands. Plumbers need dexterous hands to grip and twist tools, electricians hold and work with wiring, and the average Joe uses hands to finish a DIY project. These are just a few examples of the many tasks that tradespeople use their hands for on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, there is a high risk of sustaining an injury to your hands while working. In 2018, almost 50% of non-fatal occupational injuries were related to the hands.
The main causes of damage to the hands are:
Depending on how serious your injuries are, you may need to take time off work to recover. This can lead to lost wages and increased stress levels. You may also have to contend with medical bills and the cost of rehabilitation.
Did you know that your skin is your body's largest organ? It performs a number of vital functions, including protecting your internal organs from infection and injury. It also helps to regulate your body temperature.
The skin on your hands is just as important as the skin on any other part of your body. However, it's more prone to damage.
While you work, your hands are exposed to harsh chemicals, hot surfaces, sharp objects, and heavy loads. Over time, these can take their toll on your skin. The skin on your hands may become thin and less elastic. It may also become dry, cracked, and wrinkled.
You may notice your hands start to look older than they should. Aging is a natural process, but there are tricks to slow it down. Taking proper care of your hands is one of them.
Picture this: you've had a long day at work. As you walk in the door, your children run over to give you a hug. Your youngest grabs your hand to pull you into the living room. Innocently, she asks: "Daddy, why are your hands so rough?"
Let's face it—most of us don't want our loved ones to feel calloused, dry, and rough skin whenever they hold our hands. We want them to enjoy the moment without being reminded of the hard work we do.
The good news is that you can have soft hands, even if you're a tradesperson. Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize daily to prevent your hands from becoming dry and cracked.
You've heard the popular saying: "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Well, this is especially true when it comes to shaking hands.
The truth is, a good handshake can make a great first impression. It shows that you're confident and that you're willing to make a connection. It also shows that you're respectful and considerate.
Many aspects make a good handshake, but the most important is that your hands are clean and soft. If your hands are rough, dry, and cracked, it'll be difficult to make a good first impression.
Simple steps can make a big difference when it comes to taking care of your hands. Here are a few tips to get you started:
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 70% of hand injuries could have been prevented with the use of gloves.
Gloves can protect your hands from chemicals, cuts, and abrasions. They can also help to keep your hands warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
Not all gloves are created equal. You need to choose the right gloves for the job. Consider the type of work you do, the environment you work in, and the chemicals you come into contact with.
Most importantly, the gloves have to fit well. If they're too tight, they'll be uncomfortable. If they're too loose, they'll offer little protection.
Set aside time each day to take care of your hands.
Follow these steps to get rid of germs and dead skin while keeping your hands hydrated:
Washing your hands thoroughly is the best way to get rid of dirt and bacteria. Use a mild cleanser, as a harsh one will strip your skin of its natural oils and good bacteria.
Use warm water and lather up for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to get between your fingers and under your nails. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel.
Exfoliating your hands helps to remove dead skin cells and dirt. It also allows your moisturizer to penetrate your skin better.
There are many ways to exfoliate your hands. You can use a scrub, a pumice stone, or a cloth. Be gentle when exfoliating—you don't want to damage your skin.
Moisturizing your hands is the most important step in taking care of them. Choose a moisturizer that's made for hands, like Calm Cream. It should be lightweight and non-greasy. Apply it to your hands and rub it in until it's absorbed.
Here are some ingredients to look for in a hand moisturizer:
Many tradespeople like to use Calm Cream because it contains all of the natural ingredients mentioned above and is packaged in a durable glass jar that will not easily break or spill in your work bag.
Be sure to apply moisturizer several times a day, especially after you've washed your hands.
The sun's rays can damage your skin, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen is a must-have for anyone who spends time outdoors.
Apply sunscreen to your hands every day. Look for a sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher and made for the hands. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or handling water.
Some hand injuries are caused by overuse. Repetitive motions can cause the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your hands to become tight and strained.
Regularly doing hand exercises can help to keep your hands flexible and strong. Here are a few exercises to try:
Being a tradesperson can be tough on your hands. You need to take care of them by following a skincare routine, using the right gloves, and doing hand exercises. Doing so helps prevent injury and maintain healthy hands. Your loved ones will also enjoy having a soft hand to hold.
Share on Facebook:
$ USD
CAD 
