The Impact of Proper Hand Protection on Performance

How to choose the right insulated impact protection gloves.

By: Leigh Stadelmeier, Contributor

People selecting and loading materials in cold environments need insulated impact-protection gloves that keep their hands safe, warm, and flexible enough to do the job. Photo courtesy of RefrigiWear.

For logistics and warehouse teams, a worker’s hands are their most important tools. When these workers face a long shift in cold conditions, it becomes even more important to select insulated, impact-protection work gloves that guard against injury without getting in the way of getting the job done.

HAND INJURIES ARE EXPENSIVE

Hand injuries caused by impacts can be minor, such as bruising or small cuts. However, impact can also cause more serious injuries, such as fractures and shattered bones. These on-the-job injuries are costly.

Employers risk lost productivity, workers comp claims, regulatory citations, fines, and losses associated with any required shutdowns. Beyond the monetary costs, injured employees may face painful treatments and recovery and risk permanent damage or disfigurement.

These risks can be reduced or eliminated with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated impact-protection gloves designed for handling rough materials and equipment in freezing conditions.

THE LINK BETWEEN DEXTERITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

A study on hand dexterity in cold conditions revealed that “skin temperature was the most consistent and best predictor for dexterity performance” and that even mild temperatures around 52 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce dexterity by more than half.

Without proper protection from cold temperatures, hands lose tactile sensitivity — meaning they aren’t as attuned to the sense of touch, which can lead to accidents.

For example, if a worker can’t feel their grip on an object because of stiff hands and fingers, it can lead to drops, an inability to use tools, and poor job performance. When performance drops, productivity does as well.

Insulated impact protection gloves help employees working in harsh conditions stay comfortable, productive, and safe by protecting their hands from the cold, impacts and abrasion.

HOW DO IMPACT PROTECTION GLOVES WORK?

Impact protection from insulated work gloves comes in two forms: back-of-hand protection and palm protection.

The delicate network of muscles, nerves, and tissues that make up one human hand includes 19 bones. Impact-protection gloves are designed with thick pads of Kevlar, TPR, or PVC and EVA foam strategically placed along the back of the hand to protect vulnerable points in the fingers, knuckles, and metacarpal bones. These impact pads disperse the force of impacts across the glove, helping to prevent or reduce injury.

Insulated impact-protection gloves are designed to protect the palms with an abrasion-resistant patch across the palm, thumb crotch, and the underside of the fingers. These patches may also be reinforced with additional padding or insulation.

These materials absorb shocks and cushion the bottom of the hand against pinches and repetitive motion injuries. Work gloves with protective palms guard against injury from such movements as grabbing boxes, loading trucks, gripping tools or operating heavy equipment.

WHICH INSULATED IMPACT PROTECTION GLOVE IS BEST?

Transportation and logistics workers need insulated work gloves with individually articulated impact pads that allow maximum dexterity without compromising warmth or safety. Photo courtesy of RefrigiWear.

It’s not enough to grab any impact-protection glove off the rack. Employees working in the cold should choose a glove with the right level of insulation to suit the working environment while offering sufficient dexterity to meet the job’s demands.

Temperature Ratings

The first factor to consider when choosing an impact-protection glove for cold weather is the level of insulation. Some glove manufacturers conduct thermal testing to determine the range of cold temperatures an insulated glove can protect against. Look for these temperature ratings in the description or labeling on the glove.

If temperature ratings aren’t provided, compare gloves by the density of the insulation each one contains. Insulation density is usually expressed as “g” or “gsm” for grams per square meter. Thermal work gloves with high-gsm insulation will be warmer than workwear made with lower-gsm insulation.

To find the right level of insulation and warmth, employers must consider not just the ambient temperature (air temperature) but also the nature of the work being done. For example:

• Will workers’ hands come in contact with cold objects or surfaces, leading to cold transfer?
• Will they operate a forklift or other open-air vehicle that will create a wind chill?

Both factors will make the hands feel colder, requiring a glove rated for temperatures lower than the air temperature.

The level of activity required for the job will also influence the level of insulation needed in a work glove. Very active workers, such as those who move on foot rather than riding on equipment, may prefer gloves rated for temperatures warmer than their environment because they generate more of their own body heat.

Dexterity

Next, consider the level of dexterity required to perform the job. Working in cold temperatures is a drag on dexterity, making it more difficult to perform intricate or repetitive maneuvers and limiting productivity. Choose an insulated impact-protection glove with articulated impact-protection pads —meaning each section of the finger has its own pad, with a gap or flex panel across the joint. This feature will deliver maximum protection against bangs and pinches without restricting dexterity.

If a glove provides warmth but is made of stiff or bulky materials, it won’t feel comfortable, and employees may take them off for more complex tasks, putting their hands at risk for injury from impact and temperature. It’s helpful to look for insulated work gloves with individual side gussets sewn between each finger. Gloves with this type of construction deliver insulation around each finger separately, allowing for greater warmth without compromising flexibility or dexterity.

Some glove manufacturers also include stretch or accordion-style panels at the key flex points around the knuckles and between the impact protection pads. This feature increases both dexterity and comfort without compromising safety.

Comfort and Fit

Finally, for the highest comfort level, look for insulated impact-protection gloves with a pre-curved and ergonomic fit. These gloves reduce hand fatigue because their shape follows the natural curve of the hand. That means effort isn’t wasted in forcing the glove to bend.

GET A GRIP ON HAND PROTECTION

Though they don’t seem related on the surface, dexterity and impact protection work together to provide the best protection for people working with their hands in cold, harsh conditions. Preventing costly accidents and keeping productivity high are just two of the many benefits of choosing the right insulated impact gloves for employees working in the cold. WMHS

Leigh Stadelmeier is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer and Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales for RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of industrial insulated workwear, safety apparel, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for extreme cold work environments. Having experienced a traumatic fall while serving in the Army, Stadelmeier devotes his career to sharing safety gear and training to prevent workplace accidents. https://refrigiwear.com