Construction work gloves protect the fingers and hands from a wide range of on-site injuries, from cuts and abrasions to chemical exposure and electrical shock. Hand injuries send over a million U.S. workers to the ER annually, and only back strains and sprains account for more days away from work. Construction gloves are not optional: they're essential PPE.
What is PPE Equipment?
PPE stands for personal protective equipment, a broad category of work safety equipment that includes hard hats, fall prevention harnesses, safety glasses, high visibility clothing, work boots, and hand protection gloves. Construction gloves come in a variety of materials depending on the injury they’re designed to prevent and include leather, canvas, Kevlar, rubber, and fabric gloves.
When Does OSHA Require Hand Protection Gloves?
According to OSHA 1910.138, “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.” A construction site has the potential to cause all the injuries OSHA lists, so appropriate types of work gloves should be part of your construction safety equipment.
Causes of Hand Injuries
One cause of hand injuries stands out from all others: noncompliance. Seventy percent of hand injuries are sustained by workers who choose not to wear gloves.
Employees’ reasons for not wearing construction safety gloves include not having access to the appropriate type of glove (such as the rubber insulating gloves that are part of an electrician’s uniform), not having gloves that fit properly, and concerns that the task at hand cannot be completed successfully while wearing gloves.
Wearing gloves reduces the risk of hand injury by sixty percent, but as the above makes clear, construction workers will not wear gloves unless they fit well and allow for a full range of motion. Taking the time to ensure a proper glove fit can mean the difference between hand injuries and safely performing tasks.
Choosing the Right Construction Gloves
The diverse nature of construction work means that no one type of gloves protects construction worker hands from all threats. Instead, it's important to choose gloves based on the task the employee will perform. This often means workers will have more than one pair of gloves in their tool bag, so they always have access to appropriate protection.
When choosing construction gloves, ask the following questions:
- What hazards does the worker face? Employees working with concrete need different gloves than those working with brick, who need different protection again from those working with electricity.
- How durable are the gloves? Consider how well the gloves will protect against hazards and for how long.
- How well do the gloves fit? Also, consider glove comfort, touch sensitivity, and whether the gloves reduce the worker’s dexterity.
- How much do the gloves cost? Cost is, of course, always a factor. Bear in mind the expense of even a minor hand injury outweighs the cost needed to prevent the injury. Buy the best quality gloves you can afford.
Types of Construction Work Gloves
The proper construction gear is important for safety. In the case of gloves, your employees may need any of the following:
Fabric gloves
Cotton and fabric gloves are not suitable for most construction tasks, as they only protect against minor cuts and abrasions. For very light duties where keeping the hands clean is more important than safety, fabric gloves may be worn.
Leather and canvas gloves
Leather and canvas gloves are the best choices for general construction tasks, as they provide protection against cuts, abrasions, and heat. Examples of high-quality leather construction work gloves include:
Chemical-resistant gloves
When choosing gloves that protect construction worker hands against chemicals, compare the chemical’s MSDS sheet to the glove manufacturer’s recommendations. Gloves like Palmwest’s PU Palm Glove only protect against specific chemicals.
Kevlar Gloves
Designed to provide cut and abrasion protection, Kevlar gloves also insulate against heat and cold. Examples include Majestic’s Kevlar 13-Gauge Knit Glove with Foam Nitrile Palm Coating and the Classic Cut Resistant Mechanics Gloves from OccuNomix.
Tips for Fitting Construction Gloves
A well-fit glove should fit snugly while allowing for a full range of hand motion. When worn over the length of a full workday, an ill-fitted glove can cause hand cramps and blisters, increasing the risk the employee will simply remove the gloves. Proper fit also improves safety: thirty percent of hand injuries where gloves are worn result from improperly fitted gloves.
When considering comfort, remember that while outside seams are more comfortable, they wear out faster than inside seams, which are more likely to irritate the skin. Seams across the back of the glove provide a better fit, while seams across the palm provide more comfort.
Like any type of construction safety equipment, construction gloves must be worn and used correctly. Fewer hand injuries mean less medical expenses, time off work, and loss of productivity, so don’t skimp on your construction work gloves — your employees need their hands.