An ergonomic hand support for use during the work operation to prevent, or significantly reduce, the risk of adverse medical conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, includes an enclosure member which is generally configured for receiving a user's hand and is made of a generally rigid material. The enclosure member includes top, bottom, sides, front and rear which together define an elongated, continuous recess for accommodating the user's hand. The recess extends generally the length of the enclosure member. At least one of the sides includes a side wall which extends from the bottom of the enclosure member. The hand support further includes means for immobilizing the user's hands in the recess and means mounted at a preselected location on the enclosure member for releasably holding a work tool, such as a knife.