Protecting Your Hands: The Importance of Safety Gloves in Preventing Hand Injuries in Canada

Introduction

Hand injuries are among the most common workplace incidents in Canada, leading to significant personal and economic impacts. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), repetitive strain injuries are a leading cause of workplace injuries in the country.  One of the most effective measures to prevent such injuries is the proper selection and use of safety gloves tailored to specific tasks and hazards.

Trends in Hand Injuries: Recent Statistics

Recent data indicates a positive trend in workplace safety across Canada. For instance, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) reported a Total injury rate of 3.95 per 100 workers in 2023, an 8.78% decrease from 2022. This marks the lowest injury rate in the province’s recorded history.  Similarly, Alberta saw a decline in its disabling injury and illness claim rate by 18% from 2022 to 2023, despite a 5.2% increase in person-years worked, suggesting improvements in workplace safety. 

While these statistics encompass all types of workplace injuries, the hand is often the most injured body part. The federal jurisdiction reported 39,465 work-related injuries in 2022, with a significant portion involving the upper extremities, including hands.  The downward trend in overall injury rates suggests that hand injuries are also decreasing, likely due to increased safety awareness and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety gloves.

The Role of Safety Gloves in Preventing Hand Injuries

Selecting the appropriate safety gloves is crucial in mitigating hand injuries. The choice depends on the specific hazards present in the workplace. Below are common types of safety gloves and their typical uses:

1. Leather Gloves

• Applications: Ideal for tasks requiring protection against abrasions, sparks, and moderate heat. Commonly used in welding, construction, and heavy labor.
• Features: Durable, provide good grip, and offer a degree of puncture resistance.

2. Coated Fabric Gloves

• Applications: Suitable for handling materials with sharp edges, general maintenance, and assembly tasks.
• Features: Fabric gloves coated with materials like latex, nitrile, or PVC to enhance grip and provide resistance against punctures and mild chemicals.

3. Chemical-Resistant Gloves

• Applications: Essential for working with hazardous substances in industries such as healthcare, laboratories, and chemical manufacturing.
• Features: Made from materials like nitrile, neoprene, or rubber, these gloves protect against specific chemicals. It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility with the chemicals in use.

4. Cut-Resistant Gloves

• Applications: Designed for tasks involving sharp tools or materials, such as in the glass handling, metal fabrication, and food processing industries.
• Features: Constructed from materials like Kevlar or stainless steel mesh, offering varying levels of cut resistance.

5. Disposable Gloves

• Applications: Commonly used in the medical field, food industry, and laboratories to prevent contamination.
• Features: Typically made from latex, nitrile, or vinyl, these gloves are intended for single-use and provide a barrier against pathogens and contaminants.

Selecting the Right Gloves

When choosing safety gloves, consider the following factors:

• Hazard Assessment: Identify the specific risks associated with the task, such as chemical exposure, cut hazards, or temperature extremes.
• Material Compatibility: Ensure the glove material is suitable for the specific hazard. For instance, nitrile gloves are preferred over latex for chemical resistance and to prevent allergic reactions.
• Proper Fit and Comfort: Ill-fitting gloves can impede performance and may lead to accidents. Gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement.
• Regulatory Compliance: Select gloves that meet relevant safety standards and regulations applicable in Canada.

Conclusion

The recent decline in workplace injury rates in Canada is a positive sign, reflecting the effectiveness of safety measures and increased awareness. However, hand injuries remain a concern, and the proper selection and use of safety gloves are paramount in preventing such incidents. Employers and workers must collaborate to assess workplace hazards and choose the appropriate gloves for each task. Regular training on proper glove use and maintenance further enhances hand safety, ensuring that workers’ hands are protected, and workplaces remain productive.