OSHA 1910.138: The Standard for Hand Protection

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In the workplace, hands are among the most important – and most vulnerable – parts of the body. They are often exposed to various hazards that can lead to injuries, from sharp tools to machinery, hazardous chemicals to repetitive motions. The use of improper procedures or a momentary lapse in attention can result in cuts, bruises, factures or even more severe injuries, like traumatic amputations. The lack of proper safety equipment, such as gloves, can further increase the likelihood of hand injuries. It is essential for employers to provide and workers to consistently use hand protection.

Hand injuries in the workplace are common and can vary widely in severity and type. They include cuts and lacerations, fractures, sprains and strains, crush injuries, burns, repetitive strain injuries, puncture wounds and amputations. Metal edges, machinery, chemicals, hot surfaces, power tools and nails are among the things that pose dangers to hands in the workplace.

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What is the Purpose of OSHA 1910.138?

OSHA 1910.138 Hand Protection is one of the agency’s more succinct regulations:

1910.138(a)

General requirements. Employers shall select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.

1910.138(b)

Selection. Employers shall base the selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified.

Why are Hand Protection Regulations Important?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compilation of nonfatal occupational illnesses by major industry sector and category of illness, workers suffered 238,000 hand injuries and 63,340 wrist injuries in 2023.¹ These included cuts and lacerations; puncture wounds; strains, sprains and tears; traumatic injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints; and traumatic injuries to bones and nerves.

Who Pays for Hand Protection?

OSHA requires employers to provide personal protective equipment when it is necessary to protect employees from job-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities and when it is used to comply with OSHA standards. There are glove types to address virtually every kind of workplace hazard that employees’ hands may be exposed to: fabric gloves coated with latex, nitrile, polyurethane and PVC; latex and nitrile gloves that protect against oils, solvents, chemicals, grease and biohazards; leather gloves that shield hands from sharp objects, abrasive surfaces and heat; and gloves designed specifically to resist punctures, impact and vibrations. A thorough hazard assessment will identify the particular hazards present in the workplace. A successful hand protection program will take into account:

• Protection levels
• Dexterity requirements, so that the wearer is able to perform the necessary tasks
• Size and fit

Gloves should be inspected regularly. Those that have sustained significant wear and tear should be discarded.

Compliance and Implementation

Things to consider when selecting gloves include:

• Dexterity. If chemical resistance is needed, dexterity could be improved by wearing a tight-fitting glove over a looser glove. In the event of contamination, the outer glove could be removed immediately.
• Thickness. Thinner gloves offer better touch sensitivity and flexibility, but less protection.
• Length. Will the arm be immersed or potentially exposed to chemical splash?
• Size. Too-tight gloves cause fatigue. Gloves which are too loose could make certain tasks difficult.

In addition to personal protective equipment (PPE) hand injury prevention in the workplace involves proper safety training, maintaining a clean and organized work environment, and ensuring that machinery is well-maintained and operated safely.

The Numbers

Citations regarding this standard by Federal OSHA for inspections during the period October 2023 through September 2024:

Additional Resources

OSHA offers an overview of its PPE requirements at: https://www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment. wmhs