Regarding workplace safety, it is not only that worker gloves are an accessory, but also a necessity. Most of the commonly used body parts in the workplace that get injured are their hands and inappropriate selection of gloves may cause cuts, burns, exposure to chemicals, or fatigue. The right gloves on the other hand are able to guard your hands, enhance grip as well as have you at ease throughout the day.
A significant number of the workers do not realize the need to have appropriate hand protection until they are caught in the act. Hand injuries are a significant proportion of the number of accidents at construction sites, manufacturing plants, or even in workshops at home according to workplace safety research. One injury would result in weeks of lost time, medical expenses and long term harm. This is why it is not only a matter of comfort when you pick the right pair of worker gloves, but also to save your livelihood.
This is a full list of things you must understand before purchasing worker gloves, whether it is construction, manufacturing, or just undertaking heavy DIY work.
1. Match worker gloves to your job
Each and every job has its own set of hazards and whatever you use as worker gloves should suit those hazards. The use of the wrong kind of worker gloves may be as harmful as using none.
These are some standard industries and the most suitable types of gloves to use:
- Construction workers: Rigid machinery, equipment and rubbish pose the threat of hit injuries. Padded impact resistant gloves are designed to absorb the shock and knuckles against accidental hits. They also give better grip to the use of the bricks, wood, or tools.
- Metalworkers / glass handlers: The sharp edges have to be dealt with. Kevlar, Dyneema, or HPPE cut resistant gloves are necessary to prevent deep cuts or lacerations.
- Warehouse workers: This group of employees is likely to work with heavy boxes, pallets, and tools. Slipping would be minimized as a strong pair of gloves with a rough handle makes the lifting process safer.
- Chemical handlers: Oils, solvents, or acids might be hazardous to be exposed to. Nitrile, latex, or PVC gloves are chemical resistant and provide a barrier that stops the contact of hazardous substances with your skin.
- Welders: Fire and sparks are the order of the day. The use of heat-resistant leather gloves is very protective and flexible at the same time to perform the specific tasks.
Pro tip: Do not use the same pair of worker gloves to do all the things. An example of a worker in a construction site may require more than two pairs of gloves, one pair of impact resistant gloves when lifting heavy materials and cut resistant gloves when working on steel sheets.Â
2. Understand the materials
The quality of your worker gloves will directly affect their performance, durability and their appropriateness to various jobs. Not all gloves are alike, and the wrong type of material can make you vulnerable to the dangers that you did not need, as well as make the process of work more difficult than it is supposed to be. The following are the most frequently used glove materials and their performance in real life scenario:
Leather
Gloves made of leather worker gloves are classics not without a reason. They are tough and tough and of course abrasion resistant. This ensures that they are suitable in construction, landscaping, farming and other heavy-duty chores. Leather gloves are also associated with being able to provide a good grip and a good measure of protection against friction which reduces the chances of getting blisters when operating or handling a rough tool or a material.Â
Nitrile
The nitrile worker gloves are synthetic and are characterized by their resistance to oils and chemicals. Mechanics, workers in the automotive industry, and chemical handlers that are exposed to fuels, greases, or solvents on a daily basis largely use them. In comparison with latex, nitrile is hypoallergenic, and thus, safe to users with latex allergies.Â
Latex
Latex gloves are also popular due to their elasticity, flexibility and good grip that make them suitable to use in the healthcare, cleaning, and food service. They are like second skin and can be used to handle the small tools or delicate materials with precision. The downside? The latex gloves deteriorate when they come in contact with some chemicals and oils. Neither can they fit individuals with latex allergies.
High-performance polyethylene/Kevlar / HPPE
In jobs with sharp edges or cutting risks, no better than Kevlar and HPPE gloves can be used. They offer superior cut and abrasion resistance, and it is used as a solution to glass handling, sheet metal and fabrication. These gloves are quite lightweight, despite being very strong, and can be used with certain dexterity as well as comfort since the gloves are relatively lightweight.
Cotton / Fabric blends
Cotton and fabric worker gloves are airy, breathable and cheap. They usually find application in packaging, general maintenance or light assembly where a low level of protection is required.Â
Key takeaway: When it comes to selecting your worker gloves material, it is not a matter of preference, but it is a matter of safety and performance. Always ensure that the material of the gloves is appropriate to the type of hazards in your work.
3. Comfort matters more than you think
So, we can easily think that comfort does not count as long as you can keep your hands covered. However, the truth is this: when your worker gloves do not feel comfortable then you will not be using them all the time or you will remove them at crucial times. That is why comfort is not a luxury, it is a safety need.
And here is what makes a couple of worker gloves really comfortable:
Proper fit
It is important to have a pair of good gloves that fit as an extension of your hands just tight enough, not too tight. Breathing the gloves that are too tight may lead to fatigue and your hands may soon get fatigued.Â
Breathability
Gloves create complications and even hazardous situations by sweating as hands and making it hard to hold items and may irritate the skin. Find breathable clothes or gloves that have ventilation holes and still offer protection.
Padding and reinforcement
Some of the jobs include persistent strain on particular parts of the hand- such as the palms or knuckles. Extra-padded or reinforced areas on gloves lessen the impact, callus prevention, and make the long working hours more tolerable.
Flexibility and dexterity
One of the complaints about thick worker gloves is that they are restrictive. Modern materials created into flexible gloves provide a balanced protection and dexterity; therefore, employees can use their hands to hold tools or work in machinery or use delicate parts without taking off their gloves.
Keep in mind: Unsafe practices are frequent results of the use of uncomfortable gloves. Employees can loosen them, take them off excessively or not at all. When you invest in worker gloves that are comfortable, you can be sure of compliance in safety and at the same time maintain productivity.
4. Get the right size
Size is described as one of the least considered factors in the purchase of worker gloves. Most employees believe that so long as the gloves are put on their hands then they are okay, which is not the case. The ill-fitting gloves can be uncomfortable and lessen their performance and even cause dangerous situations.
This is why the issue of sizing is so important:
- Too tight: Gloves that are too narrow inhibit blood flow that makes your hands get tired easily and even may have permanent strain or numbness. The tight gloves also strain the material to its limits and therefore wear out more easily or rip in tension.
- Too loose: oversized gloves can slip during work or they can bunch up in the palm and lose grip. This ensures that use of tools and materials is not as secure and possible accidents are more likely to occur.
Most reputable glove manufacturers provide sizing charts to help you find the right fit. To measure your hand:
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Use a tape measure around the widest part of your palm (excluding the thumb).
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Compare the measurement with the size guide provided by the glove brand.
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Always consider finger length and palm width, as both affect comfort and dexterity.
Pro tip: Try the gloves on, if possible, before committing to a purchase. If you shop online, order from a brand that allows easy returns or exchanges in case the sizing isn’t perfect.Â
5. Look for certified safety standards
Not every worker gloves are constructed up to the same standard. Other low-end products may seem to be well built, but not have much actual defense. To be sure that your gloves can resist the dangers of the work you have to do, always look to check the safety certifications.
The following are the most critical standards to be considered:
- EN388 (Europe): This is an abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance standard. The gloves are rated using a series of numbers or letters which are used to determine their levels of performance. An increased cut rating may be taken as an illustration of greater defence against sharp edges.
- ANSI/ISEA (United States): American National Standards Institute offers ratings on cut resistance, puncture protection, impact protection, and so on. ANSI levels simplify the process of comparing gloves and select the appropriate protection to use in your work.
- OSHA Compliance: It is mandatory in the U.S. that employers must supply appropriate protection gear such as gloves as mandated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Using gloves that are of OSHA standards would guarantee compliance and safety of workers.
Why it matters: Certified worker gloves are highly tested goods and thus you are sure that they would actually work when put under pressure. Read product labels and descriptions thoroughly, since gloves that do not specify their safety ratings should give one second-thought before purchasing them.
6. Maintain and replace your gloves
Even the strongest worker gloves will not be unlimited. This is because they are exposed to dirt, sweat, chemicals and the general wear and tear in daily use. Hygiene and safety both require proper care and replacement in due time.
Below is the way to prolong the life of your gloves and at the same time maintain them reliable:
- Wash often: Wash according to the instructions of the manufacturer. It is possible to machine-wash some gloves, but others are only to be wiped down. Cleaning eliminates dirt and oils that may over time make the materials weak.
- Wipe off: Wet gloves are a breeding ground to germs and mildew as well as foul odors. Once they are washed, allow them to dry naturally and in a well-ventilated place. One should not get direct heat sources and this may shrink or stiffen the material.
- Keep neatly: Store gloves in a cool dry area not under the sunlight or chemicals. Fabrics and coating may be degraded by exposure to UV rays or solvents.
- Check prior to use: Check holes, thin material or ripped or battered padding. The slightest tear will interfere with protection against cuts or chemicals.
- Change when needed: Worn out gloves that are not reusable must be removed as soon as possible. Wearing torn gloves is nearly as hazardous as wearing no gloves.
Big idea: The point is that gloves are, as it were, tires on an automobile, that is to say, once the tread becomes worn, they lose their edge. The consistent check and immediate replacement will ensure that the worker gloves are always in working condition.
7. Think about long-term value
It is so easy to purchase the cheap gloves in large quantities and this is particularly when you or your team utilizes a large number of gloves. However, being cheaper does not necessarily imply being better. Actually, buying good worker gloves is usually a cost-saving measure both in the short and long term.
Here’s why quality pays off:
- Durability: The quality of good gloves is made of stronger materials that resist excessive wear and tear, which implies that one will not have to change his/her gloves often.
- Comfort and fit: Gloves designed more efficiently will alleviate fatigue in hands, they will more likely boost productivity and make workers wear them regularly.
- Improved safety: The certified and high-quality gloves are more effective in terms of protection against certain hazards, such as cuts, burns, or exposure to chemicals.
- Cost savings: The quality gloves can last long periods of time, as opposed to the cheap ones that wear out with a couple of uses, which will save money in the long run. More importantly, they assist in the prevention of expensive injuries at the workplace.
Consider the worker gloves as an investment into security and effectiveness. You can save your staff, minimize time-out and achieve improved performance on a daily basis by investing a bit more initially.
Read more: The complete guide to working gloves for men: Protection & performance
Final thoughts
At EvridWear, we believe that your hands are not a part and parcel of your body but the tools you use in your day to day activities. You can use your hands to do your job, whether it is lifting heavy material, working with sharp objects, working with chemicals, or just doing the normal maintenance work. It is why not to defend it with the help of the right pair of worker gloves should be remembered as the last step.
Gloves are rather a common item and people tend to view it as something that can be easily overlooked, whereas in truth, they are a crucial item of personal protective equipment. Wearing the appropriate type of gloves may be a matter of ending one workday without injury and experiencing a cut, burn, or something worse.