Stop Hand Injuries Before They Happen: A Guide to Choosing the Right Impact-Resistant Gloves

How to evaluate your needs and choose gloves designed for the demands of your work.

By: Rick Pedley, Contributor

Thermo-Plastic Rubber (TPR) on high-contact areas like the back of the hand and thumb can absorb and dissipate energy from impacts. Image courtesy of MCR Safety.

You work hard with your hands. Whether you’re running heavy equipment, handling sharp tools, or navigating high-impact environments, your hands are your livelihood — and they’re constantly at risk. Unfortunately, even with centuries of glove evolution behind us, hand injuries remain one of the most common and costly workplace accidents today.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics over 100,000 workers suffered hand injuries serious enough to take time away from work in 2020 alone, with containers, machinery, and hand tools among the most common sources of the injuries.¹ That’s a number we can’t ignore. But it’s also one we can change — starting with the right gloves.

NOT ALL GLOVES ARE CREATED EQUAL

With so many options on the market, it’s easy to grab the first pair that looks durable. But looks can be deceiving. Gloves that aren’t suited for your specific job tasks may offer little more than a false sense of security.

Whether you’re dealing with crushing hazards, power tools, sharp edges or repetitive vibration, using gloves that aren’t designed for your needs can lead to serious injuries — or worse, long-term conditions like Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Below, we walk you through five main considerations when shopping for impact-resistant gloves to help you get the best hand protection for your unique needs.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT

Any discussion about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should begin with a thorough risk assessment. While the best impact-resistant gloves commonly feature generous padding, superior abrasion resistance, and excellent grip even in less-than-ideal conditions to provide robust, well-rounded hand protection, some will still perform better than others, depending on the specific application. As such, understanding the potential hazards in your distinct work environments will help you choose the optimal hand protection for your unique needs.

For example, some impact-resistant gloves are specifically designed for use with power tools. They feature thick coatings on the palms and fingers to absorb shock and vibration and prevent conditions like HAVS or vibration white finger (more on these later). Meanwhile, others are heavily reinforced to combine mechanical protection with superior contact heat resistance.

MATERIALS

Impact-resistant gloves commonly feature layered or raised outer shells at spots where impacts can often occur, such as knuckles, fingers, palms, and the back of the hand. These areas are particularly vulnerable during tasks involving heavy machinery, tools, or other high-risk activities. The protective shells help absorb and distribute the force, reducing the risk of injury while maintaining flexibility for dexterity.

Many impact-resistant gloves use Thermo-Plastic Rubber (TPR) for their outer shells owing to the material’s flexibility, durability, and excellent impact absorption properties. Some gloves also integrate advanced materials like Kevlar and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to enhance impact and cut resistance and make them suitable for handling sharp or jagged objects. Meanwhile, memory foam or EVA foam offers a balance of cushioning and durability without adding unnecessary bulk.

Gloves with vibration-dampening padding can help prevent Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Vibration White Finger (VWF). Image courtesy of MCR Safety.

PADDING

Look for strategically placed foam or gel inserts in high-contact areas to absorb and dissipate the energy from impacts, vibrations, or repetitive motions. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also minimizes fatigue during prolonged use. If you operate vibrating equipment, look for gloves with vibration-dampening padding to prevent Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Vibration White Finger (VWF).

HAVS is characterized by damage to blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in the hands and arms, resulting in numbness, tingling, and reduced grip strength. VWF, a vascular symptom of HAVS, causes fingers to turn white due to restricted blood flow, often triggered by cold environments. Depending on your specific applications, you may also need padding engineered to maintain dexterity and flexibility when handling tools or operating machinery.

GRIP

If grip is a priority, look for gloves with textured or coated palms and fingers. These features enhance friction and reduce the risk of slipping, even when handling wet, oily, or smooth objects and surfaces. Leading brands typically apply nitrile or silicone as coatings, as these materials provide exceptional grip while maintaining abrasion and chemical resistance.

In addition to coating materials, consider the glove’s overall fit and flexibility, as these factors also influence grip performance. A well-fitted glove minimizes excess material that could bunch or hinder movement, allowing workers to maintain optimal control over tools or objects. Ergonomic designs that mimic the hand’s natural curvature further enhance grip by ensuring consistent contact with surfaces, making tasks safer and more efficient.

CERTIFICATIONS AND RATINGS

Finally, look for gloves that meet internationally recognized standards, such as ANSI/ISEA 138. This standard assigns a performance level from 1 to 3 — Level 1 being the lowest protection and Level 3 offering the highest — based on how well the glove can reduce the force of impact on the knuckles and fingers. Gloves that meet this standard have undergone rigorous lab testing and are clearly labeled, making it easier to match the glove’s performance to your job’s risk level.

In addition to ANSI/ISEA 138, many impact-resistant gloves carry EN 388 markings – a European standard that evaluates mechanical risks, including abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact resistance. The impact rating in this standard is denoted by a “P” (pass) or an “F” (fail), following a five-digit code. Together, these certifications help users choose gloves that not only offer general durability but also verified protection against blunt-force trauma.

Always check the glove’s label or manufacturer’s spec sheet to confirm these ratings, especially if you’re working in environments where hand injuries are a prevalent hazard. If you’re unsure about the hand protection you need for your applications, consult a safety specialist or trusted safety equipment supplier. These professionals can recommend products that meet relevant certifications and performance requirements.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL AFTER AN INJURY

Every task has its hazards. But with the right impact-resistant gloves, your team can face those hazards head-on — safely and confidently. Evaluate your needs, know what to look for, and choose gloves that are designed for the demands of your work.

Still unsure which glove is right for your team? Partner with a trusted safety supplier or specialist who can recommend PPE that meets both your safety standards and performance expectations. WMHS

Rick Pedley, PK Safety’s President and CEO, joined the family business in 1979. PK Safety, a supplier of occupational safety and personal protective equipment, has been operating since 1947 and takes OSHA, ANSI, PPE and CSA work safety equipment seriously. Visit: https://pksafety.com/