Best Practices for Preventing Workplace Injuries

Hands are among the most frequently injured body parts on the job, making hand protection a top priority in workplace safety. In fact, hand injuries are the second most common type of workplace injury (second only to back injuries). These injuries aren’t just numbers; they carry real consequences for workers and businesses.

Each incident can be costly – estimates show each hand injury can cost anywhere from $540 to $26,000 in direct and indirect expenses (severe cases like tendon severances averaging tens of thousands of dollars.) The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable. According to one BLS study, 70% of workers who suffered hand injuries were not wearing gloves, and the other 30% were wearing gloves but either the wrong type or in poor condition.

Simply wearing the right cut-resistant gloves can drastically reduce the risk of cuts and lacerations. However, the gloves have to be worn to work – and workers will only wear them if they are suitable and comfortable for the task. A glove left in a worker’s pocket offers zero protection.

Cut-level hand protection refers to gloves (and sometimes sleeves) designed to resist cuts and slashes, rated by how much cutting force they can withstand. For safety managers, implementing cut-resistant hand protection is a critical step in reducing injuries. It’s about choosing the right gloves for the job, ensuring workers wear them, and creating a culture that values hand safety.

This guide will cover essential insights on cut-level hand protection.

Understanding Cut Resistance Standards (ANSI vs. EN 388)

When you see a pair of cut-resistant gloves advertised with a certain “cut level,” it’s referring to standardized ratings that indicate how much protection the glove provides against cuts. There are two major global standards for cut resistance: the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard (used in North America) and the EN 388 standard (used in Europe and internationally). In recent years (around 2015–2016), these standards were updated to more closely align with each other’s testing methods, but there are still differences that safety managers should understand.

ANSI/ISEA 105

ANSI is the standard you will see the majority of time in North America. The ANSI standard rates cut resistance on a scale of A1 through A9 (with A9 being the highest level of protection). Gloves are tested using a machine called a tomodynamometer (TDM), which draws a blade across the glove material under varying loads to determine how much weight is required to cut through.

The result is measured in grams of force. For example, an ANSI A1 glove is the lowest cut resistance (it resists a cutting force of about 200 grams), suitable for minimal hazards like paper cuts or light material handling. On the other end, ANSI A9 gloves provide the highest cut protection, withstanding over 6000 grams of cutting force – these are used for extreme cut hazards.

The higher the ANSI level (A#), the more force the glove can endure before being cut. Each increase in level represents a significant jump in cut protection. (ANSI also has ratings for puncture and abrasion, but cut level is “king” when dealing with sharp hazards.)

Making Sense of the Levels

It’s easy to get confused by the mix of numbers and letters (ANSI A4 vs. Cut Level D, etc.). Remember that these standards are just two different languages describing cut resistance. ANSI’s is a straightforward one-number scale (bigger number = stronger glove).

For a quick reference, here’s a simplified comparison:

• Low cut risk: ANSI A1/A2 – for paper handling, material that might cause small nicks.
• Medium cut risk: ANSI A3/A4/A5 – for handling moderately sharp parts, light metal stamping, etc.
• High cut risk: ANSI A6/A7 – for glass handling, sharp sheet metal, machining operations with sharp swarf.
• Ultra-high cut risk: ANSI A8/A9 – for extreme hazards like heavy metal fabrication, meat butchery (with sharp knives), or handling razor-sharp edges.

ANSI also test for abrasion, puncture, and tear resistance, which are important too. But a glove that is high in cut level might not be equally high in puncture – for example, a heavy knit cut-resistant glove might stop a blade swipe but could still be pierced by a fine needle or splinter. Always check the full rating if those hazards are present.

Know the cut hazards in your workplace and look at the glove’s rating under the relevant standard. If you operate in North America, ANSI A-levels will be most familiar; if you see EN 388 ratings, pay attention to the cut letter (A-F). The specific number or letter is less important than understanding higher = stronger cut protection.

A higher cut level glove means it can tolerate more force from a sharp object before it fails. As we’ll discuss, you should match this level to the hazards of the job – wearing an A9 glove for a paper-cut hazard is overkill, while wearing an A1 glove to handle sheet metal is asking for trouble.

Choosing the Right Cut-Resistant Gloves

Not all cut-resistant gloves are created equal, and selecting the appropriate type for your workers’ tasks is critical. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing cut-resistant gloves:

1. Hazard Level (Required Cut Resistance)

Start by assessing the severity of cut risk in the task. Are workers handling paper or cardboard (risk of minor cuts)? Or sheet metal, blades, and sharp machined parts (risk of deep lacerations)? The hazard level will guide what ANSI/EN cut level you need. For low-risk tasks (opening boxes, handling parts with slight burrs), a lower cut level (ANSI A1-A2) may suffice.

Medium risks (using utility knives, handling stamped metal parts) may call for mid-level protection (A3-A5). High risks (fabricating metal, glass handling, heavy knife use) require high cut levels (A6-A9). Match the glove’s cut rating to the hazard – this ensures adequate protection without unnecessary bulk.

Remember, higher cut gloves often use thicker or stronger materials, which can sometimes reduce dexterity, so you want enough protection but not extreme protection that isn’t needed. As a rule of thumb, choose the highest cut level that the hazard warrants but still allows the worker to do their job comfortably. If unsure, err on the side of more protection, especially if the consequences of a cut would be severe.

2. Glove Material

Cut-resistant gloves come in various materials and fiber types, each with pros and cons:

Kevlar® (Aramid Fiber)

A well-known material for cut resistance and heat resistance. Kevlar gloves are lightweight and flexible, and great for moderately high cut hazards and tasks involving heat (since Kevlar won’t melt and can resist heat up to a point). However, Kevlar can be degraded by prolonged UV exposure and may not offer the highest cut levels by itself for very sharp hazards.

HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene) / Dyneema®

These fibers (often white or gray in color) are extremely strong for their weight. HPPE and Dyneema® (a brand of UHMWPE) gloves are often lighter and cooler than equivalent aramid gloves, providing excellent cut protection with less bulk. They are great for high cut hazards where dexterity is needed.

One thing to note: HPPE fibers can have a lower melting point (not good around high heat or sparks), and they may provide less grip when wet unless coated. Dyneema and similar fibers are popular in food processing and manufacturing because of their comfort and durability.

Steel & Metal Mesh

Stainless steel fiber or full chainmail mesh is used in some of the highest cut-resistance applications (like butchers’ gloves or sheet metal gauntlets). Steel-core yarns are often blended with other fibers to reach ANSI A7+ levels. Full steel mesh (like interlocking chainmail gloves) virtually prevents cuts even from sharp knives. The trade-off is dexterity and weight – these gloves are heavier, can be inflexible, and are usually used in specific tasks (e.g. meat carving, extremely sharp blade handling). Also, steel fibers can conduct electricity, so not suitable if there’s electrical hazard.

Fiberglass or Basalt Fiber Blends

Many cut-resistant gloves include fiberglass strands in the yarn to boost cut performance. Fiberglass is very hard and helps snag and dull blades, raising cut resistance. However, fiberglass can cause irritation – ever gotten itchy from fiberglass insulation? In gloves, if the fiberglass breaks, those tiny shards can poke out and irritate skin, causing redness or discomfort. Basalt (rock fiber) is similarly used. New innovations are actually moving away from these “hard” cores due to comfort issues (see coreless yarn below).

Composite Yarns

Most high-cut gloves use a combination of fibers – e.g. an HPPE or nylon yarn wrapped with stainless steel or fiberglass, sometimes blended with aramid. This achieves high cut with some flexibility. Each manufacturer has proprietary blends (sometimes called things like “Hagane Coil®” or “Twaron® blend”, etc.). Understanding each ingredient can help; for instance, a glove labeled “HPPE/glass fiber” will be protective but might be a bit stiffer or cause skin irritation for some, whereas “HPPE/Dyneema with steel” suggests very high cut protection but possibly less flexibility.

Coatings and Outer Materials

The base yarn isn’t the whole story – most cut gloves have a coating on the palm/fingers (like nitrile, polyurethane, latex, or leather). These coatings don’t usually add cut resistance, but they affect grip, abrasion, and puncture performance. Foam nitrile or polyurethane coatings are common for improving grip and adding a bit of puncture resistance while keeping the glove thin.

Leather (like goatskin or cowhide) on top of a cut-resistant liner is used in applications like welding or heavy construction, where you need both cut and additional abrasion/heat protection. When choosing gloves, think about the environment: for oily or wet conditions, a nitrile-coated glove helps maintain grip (oil-resistant coatings). For dry parts handling, a polyurethane-coated knit gives a good balance of grip and tactility. If working around heat or sparks, consider a glove with a leather shell or an aramid blend.

3. Dexterity and Fit

A glove is only good if the worker can actually do their job while wearing it. Dexterity refers to how easily one can move fingers, feel objects, and perform tasks in the glove. Generally, thinner gloves (higher gauge knit, like 18-gauge or 15-gauge) offer better dexterity than thick gloves (7-gauge knits or those with thick coatings). However, thinner usually means less cut-resistant unless using advanced fibers.

Modern technology has helped here: for example, there are 21-gauge gloves that reach ANSI A9 now, which was unheard of years ago. When evaluating gloves, consider the level of precision required for the task. An electrician stripping small wires might need a very nimble glove (even if only moderate cut risk), whereas a person handling metal scrap would wear a heavier glove.

Fit is also crucial – gloves come in sizes, and an ill-fitting glove (too loose or too tight) can reduce dexterity and comfort. Ensure you stock a range of sizes so each worker can find a snug fit that doesn’t restrict movement. Many gloves also come in different hand styles (some have longer cuffs, knit wrists, etc.) – a knit wrist can keep the glove in place and debris out.

A comfortable, well-fitting glove makes a huge difference. Workers are far more likely to keep gloves on if they feel good to use. Remember: the best glove in the world won’t help if it’s not being worn. Prioritize comfort and ergonomics when choosing gloves – features like breathable back-of-hand fabric, moisture-wicking liners, or seamless knit designs can reduce sweat and chafing, meaning workers won’t be tempted to “take them off for a minute”.

4. Work Environment and Additional Hazards

Think about the context in which the gloves will be used:

Temperature

Will the gloves be used in a cold storage or in hot conditions? Cold environments might require insulated cut-resistant gloves (so hands don’t go numb, which itself can lead to accidents). Hot environments or those with contact heat (like handling hot metal or dealing with sparks from welding) might need aramid fibers or leather that can tolerate heat.

Chemicals or Liquids

If workers are dealing with chemicals (solvents, oils, acids) and sharp objects, you need gloves that handle both – standard cut-resistant knit gloves won’t protect against chemical exposure. There are multi-purpose gloves (like cut-resistant gloves with a full nitrile or PVC coating) that provide a barrier against liquids.

Always check compatibility – e.g. Chemical Resistant Gloves might be needed in addition to cut resistance. Sometimes the solution is a dual-layer approach: wearing a thin nitrile disposable glove under a cut glove for chemical splash, or vice versa, a cut glove under a heavy chemical gauntlet for cut protection when dealing with sharp-edged chemicals containers.

Puncture or Impact

Cuts are one hazard, but if the job also has high puncture risk (like dealing with needles, nails, or sharp wire points) or impact risk (heavy tools that could crush hands), you might need specialized gloves. For puncture, look at the puncture rating (ANSI or EN388) – for example, some gloves have added layers for needle resistance.

For impact, there are gloves with thermoplastic rubber pads on the back (impact-resistant gloves) to protect knuckles from crush or smash injuries. Some manufacturers combine these with cut-resistant liners. If your industry has both (say oil & gas industry has cut hazards from metal shards and impact hazards from heavy equipment), consider Impact-Resistant Cut Gloves.

Food Safety and Hygiene

In food processing, especially meat and poultry, gloves often need to be food-grade (compliant with FDA regulations) and easy to clean. Stainless steel mesh or some HPPE gloves are used here. These gloves might require daily washing or sanitizing, so choose ones that can withstand that (many HPPE/Kevlar knit gloves are machine washable – check manufacturer instructions). Also, bright colors can be useful in food plants (so if a glove or piece of it falls into product, it’s easily seen).

Touchscreen Compatibility

In today’s workplaces, workers might need to operate a touchscreen or scanner without removing gloves. Many newer cut-resistant gloves have touchscreen-compatible fingertips (often with a conductive thread woven in). If your workers use tablets or phones as part of the job, this feature can improve compliance (they won’t need to take off the glove to use the device).

5. Employee Involvement in Selection

One best practice in choosing PPE is to involve the actual end users (the workers) in trialing gloves. You might select a few candidate gloves that meet the safety requirements, then let workers test them for a day or a week and give feedback. This helps gauge real-world comfort and dexterity. You might find, for example, that Glove A and Glove B both have ANSI A4, but workers strongly prefer Glove B because it’s cooler or fits better. Their buy-in will also improve if they feel they had a say in choosing a glove that they find most wearable.

To sum up, the right cut-resistant glove is one that provides sufficient protection and is comfortable and functional for the worker. It’s a balance. In short: safety + comfort = compliance. As a safety manager, aim for both.

Protecting Worker Hands

Cut-level hand protection has come a long way from simple leather gloves. With the knowledge of standards and proper glove selection, backed by a strong safety program, safety managers can significantly reduce hand injuries in their workplace. The data is compelling – and the solutions are readily available. By debunking myths and staying abreast of new technologies, you can overcome the common barriers to glove use (like comfort and dexterity issues). The result is a safer workforce that doesn’t have to learn the hard way about the cost of hand injuries.

Our hands are among our most valuable tools – protecting them is an investment in productivity, well-being, and peace of mind. As you evaluate your own workplace, remember: identify the cut hazards, choose the right level of protection, and ensure the gloves are used consistently. With modern cut-resistant gloves – light, strong, and comfortable – there are fewer and fewer excuses for hand injuries to ever occur. Stay safe, and keep those hands covered!

For more information or assistance in selecting the appropriate hand protection for your industry, feel free to reach out to Soucie Salo Safety – we’re here to help match the right Gloves & Hand/Arm Protection solutions to your specific needs.

Keep your team safe on and off the job site! Contact the Soucie Salo team to schedule a comprehensive glove audit. Our glove audit consists of three essential steps:

1. On-Site Audit and Assessment
2. Hand Injury Breakdown
3. Finding a Solution and Providing a Detailed Plan

Contact your Soucie Salo account manager or reach out to us here: https://www.souciesalo.com/ContactUs