There are numerous potential sources of hand injuries in the workplace, and workers use their hands often. Gloves are a must-have To avoid many of these risks. Hand protection gloves are used for various reasons, but the most prevalent ones include the following.
- Punctures and lacerations
- Materials that are corrosive or poisonous
- Vibrations
- Biohazards
- Abrasions
- Impacts
- Burns, both chemical and thermal
Injury to the Hand: Possible Causes
Foremost among the many factors that might lead to hand injury is disobedience. Workers who opt out of wearing gloves experience 70% of all hand injuries in the workplace.
Many workers avoid using construction safety gloves because they either don’t have them, don’t think they’ll fit well, or are worried about getting the job done if they do.
Even though construction workers may lower their risk of hand injury by 60% simply by donning gloves, it is evident that this will not happen unless the gloves are both comfortable and flexible. It’s essential to take precautions against hand injuries by ensuring gloves fit correctly before beginning work.
Construction Gloves: How to Pick the Best Pair
Due to the varied nature of construction work, no one pair of gloves can guarantee the safety of a worker’s hands from all potential hazards. Instead, picking gloves based on the work the employee will undertake is crucial. Workers usually carry multiple pairs of gloves in their tool bags.
The following are some questions to ponder while picking a pair of hand protection gloves:
- In what ways is the worker vulnerable? Workers with concrete need special gloves, whereas workers with bricks have distinct safety requirements, and workers with electricity have yet another set of precautions to take.
- How long do the gloves last? Think about how long the gloves will last and how well they protect your hands.
- What’s the sizing like on the gloves? Also, evaluate glove comfort, touch sensitivity, and whether the gloves limit the worker’s skill.
- Do the gloves have a price tag? Price will inevitably play a role in any decision. Remember that the cost of treating even a minor hand injury will exceed the cost of taking the necessary precautions to avoid it. Protect your hands by investing in the highest-quality gloves you can afford.
Different Styles of Gloves for Use on Construction Sites
Having the right equipment for a construction job is crucial. Your staff may require any of the following gloves:
Cotton gloves
Due to their limited resistance to cuts and abrasions, cotton and fabric gloves are unsuitable for most work in the construction industry. Fabric gloves are worn for extremely low-risk tasks in which cleanliness trumps safety.
To protect your hands, try leather and canvas gloves.
Because of their resistance to abrasion, heat, and flame, leather and canvas gloves are the ideal option for essential construction work.
Advice on Choosing the Right Size of Work Gloves
A well-fitted glove will be tight yet still allow for complete mobility of the hand. When worn for a whole workday, an ill-fitting glove can create hand cramps and blisters, which increases the likelihood that the worker will remove the gloves. Additionally, 30% of all hand injuries in settings where gloves are used are caused by poor fit.
Keep in mind that inner seams are more likely to irritate the skin, although outside seams are more pleasant in the short term. If you’re looking for a glove that fits perfectly, look for one with seams across the back; seams across the palm will add comfort.
Construction gloves are essential safety gear, but they must be appropriately used to be effective. Don’t skimp on construction work gloves; employees’ hands are essential to the company’s success. This will result in fewer hand injuries and, in turn, lower costs, less time off, and more productivity.