Why are cut injuries to the hand still so common?
Cut injuries was a hot topic around ten years ago, and the glove manufacturers have been working hard to create gloves that can protect against cuts in all sorts of jobs. But here's the strange thing: according to the Swedish work environment authority, in 2017, we were still seeing around 14 hand injuries requiring medical attention every single working day.
Interestingly, most of the cut injuries happen when workers aren't wearing gloves at all. So, why is that?
As I dug deeper, I realized the root of the problem often lies in mindset. Gloves tend to get ignored because they feel like they're getting in the way, especially when we're focused on doing precision work. But here's the thing: that's exactly where we want them to be – in the way of those sharp edges that could slice into our hands.
Sure, everyone knows to wear cut-resistant gloves when they're handling tasks with obvious risks. But it's the everyday, lower-risk tasks where injuries seem to sneak up on us.
So, how do we strike the right balance and find a compromise?
For delicate work, like fine crafts, I think knitted cut-resistant gloves are a perfect fit. They're naturally thin and fit to almost any hand shape. These gloves are usually made from a strong thread using high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) or mixture of staple fibre (like a mix of polyester, steel and HPPE). Despite being thin and flexible, they offer excellent protection against cuts while still allowing you to work comfortably for longer periods of time.
If you're curious to learn more, check out the EN388:2016 levels for cut protection. It's a great resource for diving deeper into the topic.
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's work together to make our workplaces safer for everyone.
CEO at Cadiz12Doce Sports
10 个月We always Appreciate you Michael.You are providing us good info. As we are running a company over 150 plus workers we are make suring thier security during working in the company.We are using different equipments during diffrent roles of work.Even we have provided crystal clear glasses to save thiers eyes from broken needles.Some workers are not use too.But we are forcefully applying.Its difficult to deal workers in Pakistan.But we are trying our level best to do.
Sole Owner at Dutiful Corporation
10 个月In this modern era, As education rate is increasing so many workers are awared by theirself to use gloves while working, but neither less in developing countries like Pakistan employers are exploiting employees by not paying them minimum wage, not providing them with gloves or advising them to wear it. I think not just the ISO certified companies but the govt should take step as employees are back bone of a business their protection, is business protection. There should be strict rules and regulations for health and safety of workers on employers, The one who breaks the law should submit heavy fines to the following government!
Head of National Accounts at Keypoint
10 个月I agree mindset is 1 reason to why cuts are still occuring. However IMO, comfort and hand fatigue are the 2 main factors to why gloves are removed & to why 75% of hand injuries occur while no gloves are worn. There are many options for wearers but with the drive on making a glove as cheaply as possible and then spending more on marketing it than manufacturing it, we will continue to see hand injuries.
European Sales Manager - Treadstone Safety
10 个月Spot on as always Michael. Glove technology has improved so much in the last 25 years and especially so in the last few years. There’s never been a better time for glove users to review the products they use… They may be pleasantly suprised ??
Deputy Manager Technical Operations TTI - MTS Pakistan HOD PPEs Lab#HOD leather & Footwear Lab #CE Certification Expert : # lab acceridattion#audit expert#r#physical & Chemical testing#iso17025#shoes#gloves#
10 个月Agreed EN 388 2016+A1:2018 only suitable for person who is not involved in sharp and thin needle ?? handling for that purpose glove should comply with ANSI 105(ASTM F2878), specially for knitted glove because these are porous and needles can easily penetrate and harm to the ? Furthermore, users can define and request to modify the glove according to the end use so that a team should observe the working and make a compressive notes, then discuss with testing and standards experts to finalize the applicable standard to achieve the maximum protection.