Page 20 - OHS, November/December 2024

P P E . H A N D P R O T E C T I O N
Back-of-the-Hand Protection: Strategies for Employers
Various work settings pose the risk of back-of-the-hand injuries. What are the methods
for protecting workers’ hands, as well as ways to convince workers to use them?
BY DAVID KOPF
framework. As he positions a beam with his left hand,
Marcus, a construction worker, is installing wooden
he reaches over with a framing hammer in his right to
drive a nail. His focus is split between holding the beam
steady and aiming the hammer. In one swift , misaligned swing, the
hammer slips off the nail and strikes the back of his left hand.
Pain radiates through Marcus’s hand and up his arm. Th ough
he wears gloves for grip and abrasion protection, they lack back-
of-the-hand reinforcement. In minutes, bruising and swelling set
in, and Marcus is headed to an urgent care for an x-ray to confi rm
a fracture and determine treatment. He’s out for this job, and his
employer must now line up a replacement. Th is morning’s work
just got a whole lot more complicated for everyone involved.
Unfortunately, this scenario plays out time and time again in
various work environments across industries. Th ere are many rea-
sons why back-of-the-hand protection is important in worker safety:
■ Prevention of Crush Injuries: Workers in construction,
manufacturing, and warehousing frequently handle heavy materi-
als. Th e back of the hand is especially vulnerable to crush injuries
from dropped objects or pinching between parts.
■ Impact Protection: Workers exposed to high-impact tasks,
like hammering or using vibrating machinery, benefi t from back-
of-the-hand protection, which reduces force and protects bones
and soft tissue from damage.
■ Abrasion Resistance: Hands are oft en exposed to rough sur-
faces like metal, concrete, or sharp edges. Abrasion-resistant materials
on the back provide shielding against cuts, scrapes, and punctures.
■ Burn and Heat Protection: For workers in welding, found-
ry, or other high-temperature environments, back-of-the-hand
protection includes heat-resistant materials, preventing burns
from sparks, molten metal, or hot surfaces.
Protection Approaches
Th ere are many approaches to back-of-the-hand protection, rang-
ing from simpler to advanced options for various work contexts:
■ Leather. A classic material providing basic abrasion resistance,
durability, and some heat protection in heavy-duty environments.
■ Metal or Hard Plastic Shields. Rigid shields for high-im-
pact protection, especially used in extreme environments, were
among the earliest methods of hand protection.
■ Extended Padding. Extra layers or thick padding distribute
impact pressure across a larger area of the hand.
■ Kevlar. Known for its cut and puncture resistance, Kevlar
became a staple in high-risk industries.
■ Cut-Resistant Fabrics (HPPE, Dyneema). Lightweight fabrics
like HPPE and Dyneema off er fl exible cut and abrasion resistance.
■ Impact-Resistant Foam. A modern impact absorption ma-
terial, it distributes force across the hand, lowering fracture risks.
■ Th ermoplastic Rubber (TPR). Flexible, molded padding
that absorbs force, providing protection without limiting dexterity.
■ Th ermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). Similar to TPR but
lighter, TPU off ers impact and abrasion resistance.
■ Silicone Padding. Primarily reduces vibration from power
tools, helping prevent repetitive strain injuries.
■ Heat-Resistant Materials (Nomex, Aluminized Fiber-
glass). Th ese materials protect against extreme temperatures, es-
sential in industries like welding and foundries.
Points of Push-Back
However, some complaints might dissuade workers from wearing
gloves with enhanced back-of-the-hand protection, as they may
feel the drawbacks outweigh the benefi ts. Understanding these
concerns is essential to address them eff ectively:
■ Reduced Dexterity. Adding padding can make hand move-
ments less precise, especially in heavier or stiff er gloves.
■ Reduced Breathability. Extra layers make gloves hotter and
less breathable, challenging in warm environments.
■ Hand Fatigue. Bulkier gloves can cause fatigue over time,
especially in repetitive or demanding tasks.
■ Limited Tactile Sensitivity. Protective materials reduce tac-
tile feedback, making precision tasks harder.
■ Reduced Range of Motion. Advanced features may restrict
wrist and fi nger mobility, impacting certain tasks.
Fostering Buy-in
Getting employees to consistently wear back-of-the-hand protec-
tion can be challenging, but employers can encourage compliance
through several steps. Here are some time-tested strategies:
■ Education and Training. Educating workers on the risks and
benefi ts of hand protection is essential for fostering compliance.
■ Policy and Enforcement. Instituting a clear PPE policy and
enforcing it through supervision remains a standard approach.
■ Comfort and Performance Improvements. Providing well-
fi tting gloves and replacing worn pairs is crucial for consistent use.
■ Involve Workers in Glove Selection. Involving workers in
glove choice ensures comfort and practicality for their tasks.
■ Promote Peer Accountability. Encouraging workers to re-
mind each other about PPE use fosters a team-oriented safety culture.
■ Highlight Safety Success Stories. Sharing stories where
gloves prevented injuries emphasizes their importance.
■ Incentives for Compliance. Rewarding employees who
wear PPE regularly builds a positive association with glove use.
■ Comfort Breaks. Short breaks to remove gloves and stretch
hands help address fatigue.
With the right solutions and team buy-in, employers can help
keep safety in well in-hand.
David Kopf is the Publisher and Executive Editor of Occupational
Health & Safety.
20 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 www.ohsonline.com