Choosing the Right Work Gloves

Protecting your hands from injury is essential in the workplace. Depending on the specific occupation, many jobs require workers to use their hands. And if your hands are injured, you may be forced to seek medical attention and take time off work. The good news is that you can protect your hands from common forms of injury by wearing the right gloves. So, what type of work gloves should you choose?

The 4 Types of Work Gloves

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has four categories for work gloves:

1. Leather and mesh: recommended when working in environments of extreme cold temperature, leather and mesh gloves offer a higher insulating value than other types. They are inexpensive, readily available and comfortable to wear.
2. Fabric and coated: these gloves are less protective than leather and mesh, limiting their utility in the workplace. For certain low-risk occupations, however, fabric and coated-fabric gloves may suffice.
3. Chemical and liquid-resistant: as the name suggests, chemical and liquid-resistant gloves are designed specifically to repel liquids. A common example is latex gloves, which are frequently worn by medical workers. In addition, nitrile gloves are also chemical and liquid resistant.
4. Insulating rubber: the fourth and final type of work gloves defined by OSHA is insulating rubber. They are typically recommended for workers in occupations where electrocution is a hazard.

Cut-Resistant Gloves

Of course, there are other types of work gloves from which to choose, including cut-resistant. These gloves are designed specifically to protect workers' hands from cuts and lacerations. Technically speaking, however, cut-resistant gloves are classified as mesh gloves under OSHA. Featuring heavy-duty material like stainless steel or Kevlar, they can withstand cuts to protect the wearer's hands from injury.

Cut-resistant gloves aren't necessary "cut proof," however. Workers should still take the necessary safety precautions when wearing them to reduce their risk of injury. Nonetheless, cut-resistant gloves are instrumental in protecting against hand injuries in certain occupations.

Are They Required?

Finally, consider whether or not gloves are required in your workplace. OSHA requires employers to provide all workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Therefore, if you work in an occupation where hand injuries are common -- and gloves can reduce the risk of such injuries -- your employer is required by law to provide you with them.

Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of the different types of work gloves and which one is right for you.