Hand protection is more than just a safety issue for many workers; it's a factor that impacts productivity, comfort and job performance. From engine repair to unloading ships, to running equipment, to working with construction materials, your grip can mean the difference between a productive and frustrating day.
Unfortunately, there are many workers all over who suffer the same problems every day. Tools slip and slide, machine parts get oiled up, hands get tired from repetitive tasks, and gloves wear out much sooner than anticipated. Such may be the individual problems, but they can add up over time to decrease productivity, increase costs, and even cause workplace accidents.
This is where nitrile coated gloves come in. They are designed to offer better grip, high degree of oil resistance and durability to workers to address most of the issues that are common in industrial and commercial environments.
In this article, we'll delve into the limitations of traditional gloves, how nitrile coated gloves address them, and why nitrile coated gloves are one of the most reliable types of gloves available in various industries.
The problem
In many workplaces, employees are subjected to conditions that make it challenging to have a secure grip and work comfortably for the entire day.
Common problems faced by workers:
- Slippery tools
- Oily machine components
- Liquid and greasy surfaces.
- Poor grip control
- Hand fatigue
- Worn-out gloves
- Reduced dexterity
- Frequent glove replacement
These issues may look like minor hassles at first glance. But they can have an even bigger effect than they think.
Repeatedly losing grip of tools or materials, tasks can take longer to complete. They may have to reduce their speed, change their hands' position more often or apply more force to control their hands. This additional effort can cause repetitive strain injuries over time and can lead to fatigue.
A poor glove performance can also pose safety issues. Failure to prevent a dropped tool, slipping component or loss of control during equipment operation could result in injury, production delays or damage to materials.
In fact, many employees take these issues for granted as if they are an integral part of their job, and in many cases the right pair of gloves can make a huge difference.
Slippery tools
There's nothing more frustrating than trying to control a tool that keeps getting out of your hands.
It is particularly prevalent with the use of:
- Wrenches
- Ratchets
- Screwdrivers
- Drills
- Impact drivers
- Cutting tools
- Handheld equipment
Any slippage will lessen the precision and lead the worker to bind the tools harder; this will increase the strain on the hands and forearms.
These minor inefficiencies add up over the course of the day in a busy workplace, and impact comfort and productivity.
Oily components
Oil is a major problem for those working in automotive, manufacturing and maintenance settings.
Often, parts of engines, bearings, pumps, hydraulic systems, and industrial machinery get coated with:
- Motor oil
- Hydraulic fluid
- Lubricants
- Grease
- Fuel residues
- Industrial chemicals
If hand protection is not being used, it will be difficult to maintain a secure grip and this can be hazardous.
Gloves for workers who are working with oil-based items must continue to function when exposed to slippery materials.
Poor grip
Hand size is one hugely important aspect of working.
If the gloves do not give sufficient grip, workers can suffer from:
- Reduced control
- Increased effort
- Slower task completion
- More dropped objects
Higher chance of collisions.
Numerous standard gloves offer sufficient protection, but lack grip in difficult environments.
Hand fatigue
Hand fatigue is one of those issues that is rarely discussed but can have a substantial impact on worker performance.
Staff who work for a large part of the day holding tools, carrying materials or doing repetitive work will commonly suffer from:
- Muscle fatigue
- Reduced dexterity
- Hand soreness
- Decreased productivity
- Lower job satisfaction
This can be exacerbated by poorly designed gloves that require workers to use more force than they need to maintain control.
Frequent glove replacement
Thousands of dollars are invested in changing gloves every year by many businesses.
Gloves that do not provide a good fit or are of poor quality can tear, wear out or slip easily after just a few uses. Frequent changes result in extra expenses and productivity downtime for workers who need more gloves throughout the day.
A high-quality biker glove that offers durability, comfort, and performance can help lower these costs.
Why traditional gloves fail
Traditional work gloves were mostly meant to provide basic protection as opposed to performance.
They can offer protection from dirt and low-level risks, but often fail to perform in today's industrial facilities.
Cotton gloves
Cotton gloves are cheap and breathable, but have little durability and grip. They become ineffective as soon as they come in contact with oil or moisture.
Leather gloves
Leather gloves offer great durability and protection, but tend to be less flexible and dexterous. They are too cumbersome for some workers to use for precision work.
Basic rubber-coated gloves
In some cases, oil-, grease-resistant gloves have acceptable grip in the beginning but do not last long in the harsh environments of the workplace.
Generic utility gloves
Low cost utility gloves are more concerned with price than quality. This leads to poor fit, inconsistent grip and a reduced lifespan for the work gloves.
Each of these type of gloves can be appropriate for specific applications, but they will not be the right choice in the demanding working environment for achieving a combination of performance.
How nitrile coating solves these issues
The nitrile coated gloves were created to overcome the numerous limitations of the simple work gloves.
Manufacturers were able to fuse a flexible knit liner with a tough nitrile coating to produce gloves that could provide protection, comfort, grip and durability all in one.
Let's dive into how nitrile coatings are a solution for some of the most common problems in the workplace.
Enhanced grip
One of the most common reasons workers opt for the nitrile coated gloves is their grip.
The surface of nitrile is textured which allows the glove to grip the material being handled. This extra friction allows the worker to keep a firm grip on the tools, equipment and materials.
The following are among the benefits of having a better grip:
- Better tool control
- Increased precision
- Fewer dropped objects
- Increased self-assurance in performing tasks
- Improved safety
Nitrile coatings can be used to ensure workers have a stable grip on metal parts, tools, boxes or building materials.
Oil resistance
Nitrile is a very good glove coating for oily environments, unlike many other glove coatings.
The coating is resistant to many petroleum-based substances, which allows gloves to retain grip even if they come into contact with grease and lubricants.
This is especially useful for employees in:
- Automotive repair
- Equipment maintenance
- Manufacturing
- Heavy industry
- Oil and gas activities
Nitrile gloves don't get slick and cumbersome, but they still work well all day long.
Better wear resistance
Another important benefit of nitrile coatings is their durability.
Nitrile resists:
- Abrasion
- Surface wear
- Tears
- Minor punctures
- General deterioration
This durability extends the protective qualities of gloves over a longer period of time than many other alternative coatings.
Longer glove life means fewer glove changes and reduced operating costs for workers who work with rough materials on a daily basis.
Improved productivity
This can directly affect productivity due to improved grip, reduced fatigue, and extended performance.
High quality nitrile coated gloves are used by workers, who often report:
- Faster task completion
- Improved handling of tools.Improved tool control.
- Less hand strain
- Improved comfort for long shifts.Enhanced comfort for extended shifts.
- Enhanced confidence in handling materials
Gloves are an essential component of workplace equipment, but they can make tasks much easier.
Industries that benefit most
The versatility and performance of nitrile coated gloves make them suitable for use in a variety of industries.
Automotive repair
Mechanics often work with greasy parts and tools.
Nitrile gloves offer a good grip and dexterity for detailed repairs.
Common applications include:
- Engine repair
- Brake service
- Oil changes
- Equipment maintenance
- Vehicle inspections
Manufacturing
Manufacturing workers frequently work repetitively and need protection and precision.
Nitrile coated gloves are typically used for:
- Assembly operations
- Machine operation
- Product handling
- Quality control
- Maintenance activities
They are durable and flexible, making them suitable for production environments.
Warehousing
Warehouse workers are involved in inventory handling, package moving and equipment operation for hours.
Nitrile gloves can enhance:
- Box handling
- Inventory management
- Pallet movement
- Equipment operation
To ensure workers are comfortable during extended shifts.
They are also durable, which means that they do not need to be replaced as often in high-volume settings.
Construction
Workers on construction sites are often subjected to rough surfaces, sharp materials and physically demanding activities.
Nitrile coated gloves offer:
- Abrasion resistance
- Reliable grip
- Long service life
- Comfortable flexibility
These attributes make them attractive to contractors, builders, and tradespeople.
Logistics
Logistics workers deal with thousands of items every day.
Keeping grip and minimizing hand fatigue can greatly enhance efficiency in:
- Distribution centers
- Shipping operations
- Freight handling
- Fulfillment centers
- Delivery services
Nitrile coated gloves are a great way to keep workers productive during tough shifts.
Recommended nitrile coated gloves
With dozens of nitrile coated gloves available on the market, choosing the right pair can be challenging. The best option depends on your work environment, the level of protection required, and how much emphasis you place on comfort, durability, and grip. Fortunately, several models have consistently earned strong reputations among professionals across multiple industries.
MaxiFlex ultimate
The MaxiFlex Ultimate is widely regarded as one of the best all-around nitrile coated gloves available today. Featuring a micro-foam nitrile coating and an ultra-lightweight liner, it delivers exceptional comfort without sacrificing durability.
Workers appreciate its excellent breathability, flexible fit, and outstanding grip, making it ideal for jobs that require long hours of wear and precise hand movements.
Showa Atlas 370
The Showa Atlas 370 is a popular choice among workers who need a lightweight glove with dependable performance. Its thin nitrile coating allows for excellent finger movement while still providing reliable protection against abrasion and everyday wear.
Because of its comfortable fit and versatility, the Atlas 370 is commonly used in a wide variety of industries.
Ansell HyFlex
The Ansell HyFlex series is a trusted name in industrial hand protection. Designed for demanding work environments, these gloves combine durability with ergonomic comfort, helping workers maintain productivity throughout long shifts.
Many manufacturing facilities and production plants choose HyFlex gloves because they offer reliable grip and excellent abrasion resistance while remaining comfortable enough for all-day use.
Milwaukee nitrile dipped gloves
Milwaukee's nitrile dipped gloves are designed with tradespeople and construction professionals in mind. They provide a strong balance between durability and dexterity, making them suitable for a wide range of jobsite tasks.
MCR Safety N9690
For workers who prioritize durability above all else, the MCR Safety N9690 is a strong contender. Built for demanding industrial environments, this glove features a thicker nitrile coating designed to withstand heavy wear and abrasive conditions.
Conclusion
At EvridWear, we believe that workers in many industries have to deal with slippery tools, oily hands, poor grip, hand fatigue and frequent glove changes on a daily basis. These problems can be avoided, but with the proper hand protection, workplace performance can be greatly enhanced.
Nitrile coated gloves have emerged as one of the most reliable options due to their ability to tackle several issues at once. They offer excellent grip, resist oils and lubricants, are resistant to abrasion and are comfortable for long shifts making them ideal for challenging work environments.
From automotive repair, manufacturing, warehousing, construction, logistics, and maintenance, to name a few, high-quality nitrile coated gloves can enhance safety, minimize fatigue, boost productivity, and decrease the total cost of glove replacement over time.
The easiest way to solve a frustrating workplace challenge is to select equipment that is designed to work in a real world situation. Nitrile coated gloves are just that solution for many workers.