Health Hazards – Aches and Pains

According to OSHA, nail salon workers can get aches and pains from leaning over a worktable for a long time; doing repetitive movements like filing and buffing nails; and resting hands, wrists, and forearms and/or elbows against hard surfaces or sharp edges of worktables. These are often called ergonomic or musculoskeletal hazards because they affect your muscles and bones. Ergonomics is the science of “fitting the task to the worker” so that you are more comfortable and efficient when doing your job. Good ergonomic practices will reduce stress to your body and help you avoid aches and pains.

OSHA recommends the following steps to reduce these risks and hazards

Use an adjustable chair. Sit so that your feet are flat on the floor and your back is supported. Use a footrest if your feet do not touch the floor when sitting.
Make sure there is enough space between the back of your knees and the front edge of your seat to improve blood flow to your legs.
Adjust the lighting. Good lighting can help you see without having to bend over.
Raise the client’s hand or foot. Use a cushion to raise the client’s hand or foot so you do not have to bend over as far.
Use safety glasses with magnifying lenses. These glasses reduce the need for you to bend over to see the client’s hand or foot.
Put a towel or foam pad on the table edge to soften it for hands, arms, wrists, and elbows.
Put soft pads on tools to make handles larger and easier to hold.
Take frequent breaks if possible; changing positions and doing a different task is also helpful.
Pace your work. When you work too fast, your body can become tense, which could cause muscle pain.
Do gentle stretching exercises, like the ones below, in between sessions with clients. You may need to check with your doctor first.

Stretching Exercises You Can Do to Reduce Aches and Pains:

These stretching exercises above will help you avoid muscle and bones aches, and will help keep your baody in good shape so you can remain working without having to take days off due to physical pain caused by the postures common to manicurists.

	Neck: Keeping your arms and shoulders loose: • Tilt your head to one side for 2 seconds. • Tilt your head to the other side for 2 seconds.
	Shoulders and Upper Back: • Put one hand on your shoulder and look the opposite way. • Pull your elbow in and up with the other hand. • Hold for 2 seconds.
	Neck: • Keeping your arms and shoulders loose and your head facing straight forward: • Tuck your chin for 2 seconds.
	Neck: Keeping your arms and shoulders loose: • Turn your head to one side for 2 seconds. • Turn your head to the other side for 2 seconds.
	Shoulders: • Lace your fingers and stretch your arms with your palms facing out: • Hold for 2 seconds.
	Fingers: • Stretch your fingers out and hold for 8 seconds. Relax. • Make a claw with your hands and hold for 8 seconds. Relax.
	Back of legs: • Place your hands shoulder width apart on a wall or table. • Bend your knees, keep hips directly above your feet, and lower head between arms.
	Lower Back and Hips: • Lean forward keeping your neck relaxed and your head down. • Hold for 8 seconds while breathing slowly. • Use your hands to push yourself up.
	Inner Thighs: • With your feet wide apart, place both hands on your left knee. • Bend the knee until you can feel the stretch. • Hold for 8 seconds.
	Ankles: • While holding onto a table or wall for balance, put one foot out and: • Point your toe up and down. • Draw circles with your foot.