Hands are one of the most useful tools any laborer can possess. Your hands are always at risk of injury, whether you're working on a construction site, operating machinery in a manufacturing plant, working on a vehicle, loading and unloading supplies in a warehouse, or working in an outdoor landscape. Common workplace hazards that can impact productivity and safety include cuts, abrasions, punctures, impacts, chemicals, extreme temperatures and repetitive stress injuries.
This is where gloves for work come into play. Work gloves are more than just a safety item, they are the first line of defense against workplace injuries, and they also enhance grip, comfort and performance. But it is not always easy to select the right pair. The variety of styles, materials, protection levels and safety certifications available in today's market make it hard for workers to know which gloves are the best fit for them.
What's best for a welder, mechanic, landscaper, electrician, or construction worker might be a completely different type of glove for a warehouse worker. The type of material, safety ratings, environmental factors, and task requirements all affect which gloves will work best.
This complete guide to gloves for work will take you through all the information you need to know about choosing the right safety gloves for work. We will discuss various types of gloves, common materials, safety standards and ratings, industry specific uses, and maintenance and replacement tips.
By the end of this guide, you will know how to select gloves for work that offer the most protection and performance.
What are work gloves?
Gloves for work are protective hand-wear that is specially designed to minimize the risk of injuries in the workplace and enhance a worker's ability to safely conduct work-related tasks.
Work gloves are not the same as casual gloves which are meant for warmth or fashion, but are made to combat specific hazards in the workplace. Depending on their design, they may provide protection against:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Abrasions and scrapes
- Impact injuries
- Punctures
- Heat exposure
- Cold temperatures
- Chemicals
- Moisture
- Vibrations
- Electrical hazards
Quality gloves for work can also provide a better grip, reduce hand fatigue, improve comfort, and increase productivity in repetitive tasks, as well as safety benefits.
Work gloves are not just about safety; they are about enhancing the efficiency and confidence of workers in challenging environments.
Why work gloves matter
Worldwide, workplace safety organizations indicate that hand injuries are one of the most prevalent workplace injuries in various industries.
A seemingly minor injury can result in:
- Lost workdays
- Reduced productivity
- Medical expenses
- Long-term complications
- Decreased job performance
Simple cuts, punctures or abrasions can be serious if not properly prevented.
Safety gloves for work reduce these risks and keep workers dexterous and in control. For many industries, proper hand protection is not simply recommended, it's required by workplace safety regulations.
Types of gloves for work
Not all gloves for work are designed for the same purpose. There are various types of gloves that offer varying degrees of protection and functionality.
One of the most critical factors in choosing the right gloves for the job is knowing the different types of gloves that are available.
General purpose work gloves
General purpose gloves are used for moderate risk activities that are routine.
These gloves usually provide:
- Basic abrasion resistance
- Improved grip
- Moderate durability
- Comfortable all-day wear
They are frequently found in:
- Warehouses
- Maintenance work
- Light construction
- Material handling
General purpose gloves are useful for a variety of tasks, but they don't necessarily offer any special protection.
Cut-resistant gloves
Gloves for work that are cut resistant are designed to minimize sharp object injuries.
These gloves may include high-tech fibers like:
- Kevlar
- HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene)
- Steel-reinforced yarns
- Engineered composite fibers
Cut resistant gloves are commonly used in industries such as:
- Manufacturing
- Glass handling
- Metal fabrication
- Food processing
- Warehousing
Today's cut-resistant gloves offer high protection and are flexible and dexterous.
Impact-resistant gloves
Gloves for work that are impact-resistant will protect the back of the hand, knuckles and fingers from blunt force trauma.
Common features include:
- TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) guards
- Reinforced padding
- Shock-absorbing materials
These gloves are often worn in:
- Construction
- Oil and gas activities
- Mining
- Heavy equipment operation
In hazardous environments, impact protection can make a huge difference in the severity of injuries.
Leather work gloves
Leather is still one of the most long-lasting materials for gloves for work.
Leather gloves are known for:
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Long lifespan
- Heat resistance
- Fitting well after break-in
They are popular among:
- Construction workers
- Ranchers
- Welders
- Landscapers
There are different types of leather, and they have different durability and flexibility.
Disposable gloves
Disposable gloves for work provide protection against contamination and certain chemicals.
Common materials include:
- Nitrile
- Latex
- Vinyl
These gloves are widely used in:
- Healthcare
- Food service
- Laboratories
- Cleaning applications
Disposable gloves are not meant to be worn for long periods of time.
Chemical-resistant gloves
Special protection is needed for workers who work with hazardous materials.
Chemical-resistant gloves are made to withstand:
- Solvents
- Oils
- Acids
- Cleaning agents
- Industrial chemicals
Different glove materials provide varying levels of chemical resistance, making material selection especially important.
Insulated and cold-weather gloves
Cold temperature workers require gloves that are both warm and functional.
Cold weather gloves may include:
- Thermal insulation
- Waterproof membranes
- Wind-resistant materials
These gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and agile.
Common materials explained
The gloves' material is the main factor that influences the durability, comfort, flexibility and protective properties of the gloves.
Knowing about the materials of gloves enables workers to make better choices when buying gloves.
Leather
Work gloves have been made of leather for centuries.
Advantages include:
- High durability
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Natural comfort
- Heat resistance
Common leather types are cowhide, goatskin, pigskin and deerskin.
Cowhide is generally used for heavy duty applications, and goatskin is better for flexibility.
Synthetic leather
Synthetic leather is gaining popularity because of its uniformity and performance.
Benefits include:
- Lightweight feel
- Good durability
- Water resistance
- Easy maintenance
Today, a lot of gloves for work are made with synthetic leather to get the best of both worlds – comfort and durability.
Nitrile
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that is often used in coatings and disposable gloves.
It provides:
- Excellent grip
- Oil resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Good puncture resistance
Nitrile-coated gloves are widely used in the manufacturing and warehousing industries.
Latex
Latex is extremely flexible and sensitive to touch.
Advantages include:
- Comfort
- Elasticity
- Strong grip
But, many workplaces have switched to nitrile alternatives due to latex allergies.
Kevlar
Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic fiber known for its cut resistance.
It offers:
- Exceptional durability
- Heat resistance
- Lightweight performance
Kevlar is frequently used in gloves designed for sharp-object handling.
HPPE (High-performance polyethylene)
HPPE fibers provide excellent cut resistance while remaining lightweight and comfortable.
Compared to traditional cut-resistant materials, HPPE often delivers better flexibility and dexterity.
PVC and Vinyl
PVC and vinyl materials are commonly used in waterproof and chemical-resistant gloves.
These materials perform well in wet environments but generally provide less dexterity than fabric-based alternatives.
Understanding safety standards
Safety ratings enable workers and employers to make objective comparisons of gloves based on tested performance.
It is important to be aware of these ratings when choosing the right hand protection.
ANSI Standards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers a broad range of glove performance ratings.
ANSI standards evaluate:
- Cut resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Puncture resistance
- Impact protection
These ratings assist workers in selecting gloves for various hazards.
ANSI cut resistance ratings
The level of cutting resistance is rated from A1 to A9.
A1 provides basic protection.
Moderate protection is provided by A3 to A5.
A6 to A9 provide high to extreme cut resistance.
Depending on workplace hazards, the appropriate rating should be used.
ANSI abrasion ratings
The abrasion rating is between 0 and 6.
The higher the rating, the more resistant the material is to wear due to friction and repeated contact with rough surfaces.
Construction, manufacturing and material handling workers tend to prefer higher abrasion ratings.
ANSI puncture ratings
Puncture testing is used to assess sharp-point penetration resistance.
When working with nails, metal, wood splinters or sharp debris, workers should be mindful of puncture ratings.
ANSI impact ratings
Gloves with an impact rating are tested to ensure they are able to protect against blunt force trauma.
The ANSI impact rating is often stamped on these gloves and they are used in high-risk industries.
EN standards
The EN 388 rating system is used for European standards.
EN 388 evaluates:
- Abrasion resistance
- Cut resistance
- Tear resistance
- Puncture resistance
- Impact protection
Many gloves that are sold internationally carry both ANSI and EN ratings.
Selecting the appropriate glove for the job is crucial.
When choosing the right gloves for the job, it's not just about picking the toughest or costliest gloves available.
The right glove should be appropriate for the type of work and hazards you are working with.
How to choose the right glove for your job
Step 1: Evaluating potential hazards
Think about the following questions:
- Is there any sharp material?
- Is impact protection needed?
- Will chemicals be used?
- Is it a frequent occurrence to be wet?
- Is extreme heat or cold involved?
Hazard identification is used to reduce the number of gloves that can be considered.
Step 2: Identify the levels of protection needed
Not all jobs demand the highest level of protection.
Over protection can lead to unnecessary loss of flexibility and comfort.
Select gloves that are appropriate for your job.
Step 3: Prioritize comfort
Gloves worn all day should be particularly comfortable.
When searching for a new home, consider these features:
- Breathable materials
- Ergonomic design
- Adjustable closures
- Moisture-wicking liners
Comfort directly impacts productivity and user compliance.
Step 4: Assess grip needs
There are different environments that call for different grips.
Nitrile-coated gloves are suitable for use with oily materials, and textured synthetic leather is ideal for dry environments.
Grip performance should always be matched to working conditions.
Step 5: Consider durability
Gloves are particularly important for those who wear them every day.
High-quality construction, reinforced palms, double stitching and abrasion-resistant materials can sometimes be worth the extra price.
Step 6: Make sure it fits properly
A poor fit of gloves decreases comfort, dexterity and safety.
A good fitting glove should be snug, but not tight, and should allow for ease of movement and circulation.
Fit can sometimes be as critical as the material itself.
Maintenance and replacement tips
Even the best safety gloves for work need to be maintained properly to perform well over time.
Proper care can help prolong the life of a pair of gloves.
Clean gloves properly
Follow manufacturer's recommendations if possible.
Dirt, oils, chemicals and debris are removed, which helps to maintain the integrity of the glove materials and performance.
Store gloves correctly
Keep gloves in a cool, dry place out of the sun and too much heat.
Good storage conditions avoid material degradation.
Allow gloves to dry completely
Moisture can cause materials to become weaker and promote bacterial growth.
Never put wet gloves in storage.
Inspect gloves frequently
Regular inspections will help to detect:
- Holes
- Worn palms
- Broken seams
- Damaged coatings
Early resolution of issues enhances safety and minimizes unplanned failures.
Change gloves as needed
No glove is forever.
Change gloves when they are no longer protective, secure, comfortable or structurally sound.
Worn gloves can pose a greater risk of work-related injuries if they are not replaced.
Final thoughts
At EvridWear, we believe that when it comes to safety, comfort, and productivity, workers can make one of the most important decisions by selecting the right gloves for work. There are numerous materials, types of gloves, safety ratings, and special features available, so it's important to know the basics to make an informed decision.
Not all safety gloves for work are created equal. Rather, they are the gloves that are most appropriate to the specific hazards, conditions and requirements of the job. A warehouse worker might need grip and dexterity, whereas a construction worker may need impact resistance and durability.Â
Knowing the material properties of gloves for work, understanding safety standards, assessing workplace hazards, and maintaining gloves properly can help workers choose the right gloves that offer effective protection while ensuring comfort and performance.Â