Hand injuries are said to be the second leading cause of work related injuries. In fact, over 1,000,000 hand injuries are recorded a year.
Almost 70%* of hand injuries are from lacerations and punctures, both of which can be limited by the use of proper protection, taking the necessary precautions, specifically providing gloves (personal protection equipment) to each and every employee.
There are many different manufacturers and types of gloves in the marketplace, which help reduce hand injuries. Whether working in the automotive or food and beverage industry, handling glass or fabricating metal, gloves are designed to meet certain attributes.
Some of the most desired traits today include:
- Safe
- Strong
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
Other common requests include:
- UV resistant
- Anti-wick
- Anti-static
- Conductive
There are even requests for gloves that are more fashionable. As an employer, the options for PPE are endless, so how do you know which to choose and why?
First, gloves can be constructed using customised blend of yarns and coatings in order to meet specific requirements. For instance, a yarn with flame retardant properties like a meta or para-aramid would be used when heat is an issue. Alternatively, applications requiring gloves with cut level 4-5 ratings, can be designed by using hybrid yarns with fibre glass or stainless steel used in the core.
Second, the customised blend of yarns and coatings used to develop a glove may be chosen with cost in mind. Different fibre types could be included in the final yarn blend providing high quality and the required attributes while reducing cost. For example, new innovative materials and formulations or in-house yarns are not only impacting costs overall but they are also exceeding previous performance standards.
Third, gloves need to be chosen with the wearer in mind. To make a positive impact it is important gloves provide the required level of safety while being comfortable, and in some cases lightweight or fashionable. Whether matching ‘weekend gear’ or providing breathability, gloves are more likely to be worn when the wearer sees them as useful or cool.
The future of gloves, and even PPE, is even more specialised and high-tech.
Coats offers an advanced range of flame resistant, electric arc and cut resistant yarns. Utilised in the weaving and knitting of gloves (and other PPE), these yarns are available in natural or dyed colours and can also be spun from dope dyed fibres. Our cut resistant yarn offer can be customised in their blends with up to five different fibres, and is developed in partnership with our customers, meeting their specifications and needs.
The single easiest way to reduce hand injuries is to provide protection. Ask us how we can help you