According to OSHA, about 70 percent of workers who suffer hand injuries in manufacturing operations are not wearing gloves. Why don't workers wear gloves and other personal protective equipment? Some major reasons are discomfort and poor fit, lack of awareness about potential hazards, and poor understanding of how and why hand protection products should be used.

To pick proper gloves, carefully evaluate the task's dangers, the time needed for the task, the level of dexterity required, the frequency of the task, and the size of the glove needed. With these questions answered, the best gloves for each task can be selected.

Several common types of work gloves exist. Disposable gloves are usually made of lightweight nitrile, vinyl or latex and they guard against contamination, chemicals and infection. Electrical safety gloves give special protection when working with energized equipment to guard against shock and burns and to meet OSHA requirements. Knit gloves feature breathability, flexibility, comfort, good grip and dexterity that make them the best for general use. Chemical-resistant gloves, lined or unlined and made of rubber, neoprene, polyvinyl alcohol, or vinyl shield hands against acids, caustics, solvents and oils. Cut-resistant gloves have extra cut and abrasion resistance to handle glass, bottles, sheet metal and other sharp materials. Leather gloves' toughness guards against injuries from sparks and scrapes. A basic necessity for everyday jobs in construction, farms and many industries. Mechanix gloves provide sure gripping and added hand protection where grease, heat and tough working conditions are the norm. Welding gloves have an all-leather split cowhide construction that makes them ideal for welding and handling hot, heavy materials.

Hand injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. Many heal fast with proper care, but severe hand injuries such as serious burns, crushing or amputation can affect the rest of your life, from such simple tasks as buttoning your shirt to fundamental needs such as being able to feed yourself or hold a job or hold your spouse, child or grandchild.

To avoid severe hand injury, follow safe work practices at all times. Before using tools and equipment, review the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. Use lockouts; properly applied, these keep equipment from moving when you are doing maintenance and adjustments. Use push sticks, tongs and other tools that allow you to handle materials without exposing your hands to direct contact with moving machinery or harmful chemicals. Make sure machine guards are in place before operating equipment. Be on guard for pinch points - places where your hands can be crushed between two moving objects or one that moves and another that is stationary. Finally, always wear the correct gloves to guard against the specific hazards you are likely to encounter.