When are work gloves used?

Your hands are the most important tools you have. Keeping them safe on site is very important. People who work in various industries use work or safety gloves. They are very common in the maritime and offshore industry, but construction and manufacturing workers use work gloves on a daily basis as well. 

It’s in these and similar industries that your hands can come in contact with a variety of harmful chemicals, sharp objects and other potentially dangerous materials. Electrical wires, chemicals, sharp trash just to name a few. Wearing suitable safety gloves on site is not just important for your own personal safety but it is often a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirement. 

What to look out for when buying work gloves?

Work gloves come in a variety of different materials and just as many intended uses. This is what to look out for when buying safety gloves. 

Material

So, safety gloves are often a necessity, but choosing the right one can become a bit confusing with all the options. A glove that meets your safety requirements is of course a must. But a comfortable glove that makes you feel confident and allows you to move freely is a true treasure. The bottom line is that even a little bit of skin protection for your hands can make a huge difference. The right materials will protect you from cuts, burns, abrasions or even nerve damage. 

Fit

To narrow it down, we have some pointers for you to look at. Sizing and fit make the biggest difference in terms of comfort. If you are planning on or are required to wear your work gloves for an extended period of time, make sure they fit comfortably. 

To help you select the right safety glove, consider the following:

• Seams on the outside of the glove are more comfortable, but they wear out more quickly. 
• Seams on the inside of your safety gloves may disturb an otherwise nice fit, but they are more durable. 
• Seams across the palm are more comfortable, while seams on the back of the hand may provide a better fit. 

In addition; it is not just a matter of discomfort. Safety gloves with a bad fit can restrict your range of motion during your work and might cause long-term injuries like blisters and muscle cramps.