VIDEO: The Importance of Impact Protection

Impact injuries leading to crush, pinching or cut penetration can subsequently result in a range of conditions from bruising to bone fracture, nerve damage and, in extreme cases, amputation. Impact injuries are particularly problematic, as they often require extended periods of recuperation and rehabilitation that render workers unfit for regular duties.

Attempting to control costs, safety managers sometimes opt for generic all-purpose gloves believing that they offer a suitable degree of protection. However, impact protection gloves offer significant benefit over generic alternatives. They offer whole hand impact protection including fingertips, minimizing any loss of dexterity, allowing the wearer to perform necessary tasks including touch screen use whilst combining water resistance, impact, and cut protection in one solution. The key difference lies in the construction material used to create the solid segmented backing of the glove. Typically fabricated using thermoplastic rubber (TPR), the true level of protection offered by that backing varies wildly based on the underlying quality of the TPR itself and on its application.

When assessing options, safety managers and professionals should bear the following in mind:

• Coverage: Carry out a visual inspection of the glove to ascertain TPR coverage. A solid choice will adequately cover the thumb, fingers, knuckles and back of the hand.
• Dexterity: Try the glove on to ensure it offers suitable dexterity for the thumb and fingers. Where possible, replicate typical tasks such as handling tools.
• Grip: Gloves should feature an enhanced oil grip which decreases fatigue and mitigates injury, offering increased control and lessening the force required to safely handle equipment.

Hand protection that offers adequate defense against impact injury ideally incorporates features designed to meet the specific environmental conditions of each application. When it comes to worker safety, there should be no compromise. For more information or to subscribe to Safety Briefing, go to www.ansell.com.