Safety gloves are a common piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects workers from a variety of hazards. They can protect against rough objects that may cause injury, chemicals that could poison or burn the skin, moderate heat or cold, and more. In addition, they can help reduce fatigue and allow for dexterity to perform critical manual tasks. The right type of glove for a specific job is determined by conducting a risk assessment and choosing the correct material for the job at hand.

While many people might think of a pair of safety gloves as an essential item for a home or garden, they are more commonly used in workplaces. There are hundreds of different types of safety gloves, each designed to protect against one or more of the hazards described above. Some are specialized for particular applications, while others are multipurpose and designed to suit a variety of workplaces.

General use safety gloves are an important choice for builders, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, factory workers and more. These provide protection against rough objects, reducing friction and preventing blisters and sores, oil irritation and more. Some general-purpose gloves are also rated to be flame resistant, but they should be matched with the task at hand to ensure that the gloves can withstand the level of heat being generated.

Chemical resistant safety gloves are another crucial choice for those who work with a range of dangerous chemicals and cleaning products. These gloves are typically made of either natural or synthetic materials and are able to stand up to a variety of chemicals, including corrosive acids, strong bases and ketones. Some are also aluminized, which means that metal particles are embedded in the glove to provide additional protection against intense heat.

Aside from the obvious benefits of preventing cuts, scrapes and other injuries to the hands, using the right type of glove can help minimize schedule holdups caused by employee absence due to hand injuries. The median number of days away from work with a hand injury is six, so it is vital that workers use the appropriate safety gear to avoid unnecessary discomfort and expense.

Whether they are working with sharp machinery or tools, handling hazardous chemicals or simply performing a difficult task, there is no reason why employees should have to suffer through painful and costly injuries that can be avoided. Selecting the correct safety glove for the job at hand and inspecting it regularly before and after each shift is an easy way to help prevent these types of costly injuries.