A Guide to the Best Types of Industrial Hand Protection Gloves

Hand Injuries Are Common in Manufacturing Environments
Our hands are one of the most valuable tools we have in the workplace, especially in manufacturing and industrial settings. However, they are also one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 190,000 lost-workday injuries involving days away from work occur each year involving injured hands and fingers. The most common types of hand injuries that occur include lacerations, contusions, fractures, amputations and more. Given how frequently our hands are used for tasks that may involve heavy machinery, sharp or rough surfaces, extreme temperatures and more, effective hand protection is extremely important.

Proper Gloves Are Essential for Protection
One of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment for Industrial Hand Protection Gloves. There are various types of gloves that are designed to protect hands from different hazards. For instance:

- Cut-resistant gloves are made of materials like Kevlar or steel mesh to prevent cuts, slices or punctures from sharp edges, blades, shards of metal and other cutting hazards. They are important for tasks involving knives, box cutters, metal shavings and more.

- Welding gloves protect hands from burns from hot metals, sparks, slag and heat while welding or working near hot processes. They are usually made of water-hardened leather or other thermally resistant materials.

- Chemical gloves protect hands from hazardous liquids and toxic substances. Different types of chemical gloves are made from materials like latex, nitrile or neoprene to provide appropriate chemical resistance.

- Insulated gloves protect hands from extreme hot or cold temperatures, whether it's handling very hot or very cold materials or working in freezing environments. Different insulation levels are available.

- General purpose work gloves protect hands during tasks involving assembly, maintenance, warehouse work and more. They provide grip, padding and slash/puncture resistance.

Having the right type of glove for each task is essential to protecting hands from various industrial hazards. Gloves should also fit properly and be replaced when worn or damaged.

Other Key Protective Equipment
While gloves are the primary protective equipment, other hand protection devices may also be needed depending on the work environment and tasks. Some other examples include:

- Finger shields/guards protect individual fingers from being crushed, caught or cut. They are often used with power presses or other machinery.

- Arm guards extend protection to the forearms from cuts or burns. They work with cut-resistant gloves for tasks like deburring, trimming or using knives/blades.

- Welding/foundry sleeves protect arms and cover the wrist area not protected by arm guards or gloves alone.

- Thimbles are worn on individual fingertips for tasks like sewing that put pressure on fingertips.

- Hand creams and moisturizers should also be provided to maintain soft, pliable skin not cracked or torn from chemical/solvent exposure.

Complying with OSHA Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established rules and regulations around personal protective equipment and hand safety in the workplace. Employers are required to conduct a hazard assessment to determine appropriate hand protection, provide it to employees at no cost, train workers on proper use and ensure procedures are followed. OSHA sets standards for the design and use of various protective gloves against cuts, chemicals, heat/flames and more. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn equipment helps ensure ongoing compliance. Failure to properly protect hands through appropriate PPE selection and use can result in OSHA citations and penalties.

Proper Training Is Critical
Even with the right protective equipment available, hand injuries may still occur if not used correctly. That is why training employees on proper PPE selection and safe work practices is so important. Topics should include:

- When different types of gloves should be used based on the hazard

- Inspecting gloves for holes/tears before each use and proper storage

- Donning and doffing procedures to prevent contamination

- Limitations of protection - what hazards gloves still allow contact with

- Keeping gloves free of oil/grease buildup that degrade performance

- Basic safety rules like no loose jewelry, long hair tied back, pace of work

Training should be provided upon hire and anytime procedures change. Retraining may also be needed periodically or when injury trends are noticed. Educating workers helps ensure maximum protection.

Due to the frequency and impact of hand injuries in industrial settings, employers must take proactive steps to protect this valuable asset. A combination of hazard assessments, providing appropriate protective equipment, established safe work practices and regular training helps create a safe work environment where the risk of hand injuries is effectively controlled.

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About Author:

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.

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