Safety conditions in the workplace have come a long way in the last 100 years. Employers, with the help of the government at times, have created work environments solely geared around the safety and well-being of the workers. Although these conditions are the safest we’ve ever seen, there is still a significant need for

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in areas where injuries are possible. One of the most important pieces of equipment is gloves. Roughly 20% of all disabling work-related injuries involve the hands. Without the full use of our hands, our ability to take care of ourselves and our families is greatly impeded.

The government (OSHA) has regulations concerning protective hand wear specifically. OSHA Standard 1910.138 states: “Employers shall select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.”

The challenge that more and more employers experience is to assure that their employees are actually wearing the safety equipment that is being purchased. Gloves have especially been an issue with many workers, with reports that the provided gloves are too bulky, they make hands sweat too much or that they do not provide sufficient grip for the given task. The key is to purchase the appropriate gloves for your company’s industry. Technology has advanced in hand protection, and specialty gloves exist that cater to most work requirements. Seamless gloves have made it much more comfortable to wear for eighth to ten hours, while doing a much better job of “breathing” to avoid overly sweaty hands.

Most safety apparel companies have specialized gloves that are cut-resistant, heat-resistant and that provide superior grip at the palms and fingers. In order to make sure that your workplace is compliant with current regulations it is important to purchase the correct glove to cater to the specific needs of the nature of the business.