How can wearing the wrong gloves increase injury risk more than wearing no gloves at all?
Responding is Joe Proulx, editor – EHS, J. J. Keller & Associates Inc., Neenah, WI.
When workers wear gloves that aren’t suited for the task at hand, it can create a false sense of security. They believe they’re protected and may take risks they’d normally avoid with bare hands, such as brushing against sharp edges, handling chemicals or touching hot surfaces. This misplaced confidence can lead to unexpected and, often, more severe injuries, especially when the gloves fail to provide the necessary protection. In fact, the wrong gloves can increase risk in several ways:
Glove capability
- A worker wearing gloves not rated for cut resistance may handle sharp materials more aggressively, believing they’re protected, only to suffer deep lacerations.
- Chemical-resistant gloves used for mechanical tasks may tear easily, exposing skin to both physical and chemical hazards.
Reduced dexterity and grip
- Gloves that are too thick or stiff can reduce tactile (touch) sensitivity, leading to dropped tools, insufficient control or mishandling of equipment.
- Poor grip can cause slips when handling oily or wet surfaces, increasing the risk of crushing injuries, strains, or falls from equipment and ladders.
Entanglement hazards
- Loose-fitting gloves near rotating machinery (drills and conveyors, for example) can get caught, pulling the hand into moving parts and resulting in severe injuries or amputations.
- Gloves with long cuffs or frayed edges can snag on equipment or materials.
Inadequate barrier protection
- Using general-purpose gloves for chemical handling may allow permeation or degradation, exposing the skin to harmful substances.
- Thermal gloves not rated for high heat may melt or transfer heat quickly, causing burns.
Keys to ensuring proper hand protection
To protect workers from a false sense of security, employers must ensure they’re providing the appropriate protection for the specific hazards employees face on the job. When it comes to hand protection, here are four key tips to keep workers safe:
1. Identify the hazard. Start by assessing the specific risks workers may encounter. Determine whether workers might be exposed to chemical hazards, sharp objects, extreme heat, electrical currents, or impact from heavy tools or machinery. A thorough hazard assessment is the foundation of proper glove selection, as each type of hazard may require different glove materials and designs. For example, chemical-resistant gloves are typically made of materials such as nitrile or neoprene designed with a dense, tightly cross-linked structure that makes it less susceptible to chemical penetration compared with other materials. Cut-resistant gloves are made with high-performance materials such as Kevlar, steel mesh or high-performance polyethylene, which use tightly interlocked fibers to resist cuts and tears.
2. Check the material and rating. Not all gloves are created equal. Choose gloves that have undergone testing and received certification for the particular hazard involved. For instance, gloves should meet the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard for cut resistance or be listed on a manufacturers’ chemical resistance chart for protection against specific substances. Ratings help ensure the glove will perform as expected under real-world conditions.
3. Ensure proper fit and comfort. A glove that fits well enhances dexterity, grip and overall safety. Ill-fitting gloves can lead to reduced performance, discomfort and even incidents as a result of snagging or slipping. Workers are more likely to consistently wear gloves if they’re comfortable and allow for natural hand movement. Consider offering multiple sizes and styles to accommodate different hand shapes and job tasks.
4. Train and inspect. Providing gloves isn’t enough. Workers need to understand why certain gloves are selected, as well as when and how to use them. Conduct regular training sessions to help employees recognize hazards and select the correct hand protection. Additionally, implement a routine inspection process to check gloves for signs of damage, wear or contamination before each use. Damaged gloves can compromise safety and should be replaced immediately.
Remember: Wearing the wrong glove can increase injury risk by creating a false sense of security, which may lead to more severe incidents. Selecting the appropriate glove, ensuring proper fit and providing training are all essential to keeping workers safe.
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication