3 verschiedene Arbeitshandschuhe auf einem marmorierten Untergrund

1 september 2022

Hoe beschermen werkhandschoenen?

Werkhandschoenen beschermen je tegen handverwondingen – ontdek welke modellen de juiste keuze zijn voor jouw taken.

Work gloves protect you from the most common workplace accidents: hand injuries. Many of us work primarily with our hands – whether in a workshop or in an office. So, it's high time we address the issue of work safety gloves and clarify how they can protect our most important "tool" from harm.

Work Gloves Protect Your Hands

Hand injuries continue to make up the largest portion of accident statistics from the DGUV*. With nearly 34%, they are far ahead of foot injuries (19%), which take second place. According to past statistics from the DGUV, these numbers have hardly changed in recent years.

Since we use our hands for nearly all tasks, it is no surprise that they are also the most vulnerable. This also highlights the value of your hands. So protect them properly. Whether you're dealing with aggressive chemicals, sharp objects, or working in your garden at home: there is a wide selection of protective gloves for almost every type of work.

Find the Right Glove

If you need a work glove during your workday, a risk assessment will specify exactly what the glove must accomplish. There are different standards for certified protective gloves. These standards ensure that there are specific regulations for each hazardous situation. This allows you to select the right model for your needs.

At the top of all standards is the EN 420. It defines the general requirements and testing procedures for gloves. Only with this standard can a glove be called a "protective glove." Other standards include:

EN 374-1: Protection against chemical risks
EN 374-5: Protection against microorganisms
EN 388: Protection against mechanical risks
EN 407: Protection against thermal risks
EN 421: Protection against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination
EN 455: Medical disposable gloves
EN 511: Protection against cold
EN 659: Firefighting protective gloves
EN 60903: Work under voltage - gloves made of insulating material
EN 10819: Protection against mechanical vibrations and shocks
EN 11393-1: Resistance to chainsaw cuts
EN 1149: Protection against electrostatic charge
EN 12477: Protective gloves for welders

Some of these standards can be combined, so you may find chemical protection gloves (EN 374) with certified cut protection (EN 388). Manufacturers achieve these different properties through various materials, with the selection becoming increasingly innovative.

In addition to the formal requirements, there is a second important factor in choosing the right work glove: you. Your gloves need to fit you. How to find the right size and why it is important can be found in this post from us. Also, your potential allergies play a role. If you experience itching or redness with certain materials, avoid them and look for suitable alternatives.

If possible, choose gloves that feel comfortable and allow you to work relaxed. They protect your hands and, thus, your ability to work. If you are not comfortable wearing them, you may take them off in the worst case, leaving you unprotected.

Find the Right Balance

The perfect work glove protects you comprehensively from potential dangers while still allowing for excellent tactile sensitivity and dexterity. The more severe the risks, the harder it is for manufacturers to maintain this balance. Light assembly gloves allow you to perform delicate tasks safely, but they reach their (protective) limits when you grab a box of sharp-edged metal scrap. If you need stronger cut protection, you might find it more difficult to pick up small screws.

Occasionally, it may be beneficial for you to combine two work gloves. Chemical protection gloves, for example, are not breathable, causing you to sweat inside them. If you wear thin cotton gloves underneath, they absorb the moisture, making it feel more comfortable. In the medical field, it has become common practice to wear two disposable gloves on top of each other. This helps compensate for small material damages and significantly reduces the risk of infection for both patients and medical staff.

Depending on the application, you may need to strike a compromise between protection and comfort. The risk assessment for your work area specifies the protection classes your safety gloves must meet. If you have questions about fit or allergies, consult the occupational safety specialist. Always remember that work gloves protect your hands and your overall health.

Source: Statistieken werkongevallen 2020; Table 29, Page 53