4 Hands-on Jobs That Require Hand Protection

Did you know that our hands contain more nerve endings per square centimeter than anywhere else on our body? Hand injuries are extremely common in most physically labor-intensive professions. As our two most important tools for interacting with the world around us, it’s absolutely crucial that we do everything we can to protect our hands. Here are four hands-on jobs that require hand protection to help you understand when performance work gloves are absolutely crucial.

Construction

There will always be a demand for construction workers, which is as physically demanding a job as it gets. More than simple accidents while on the job, a lesser-known threat is simply the use of heavy machinery. Such machinery as jackhammers and other large pieces of equipment creates a lot of stress on your hands, forearms, and wrists that can have lasting effects. The vibrations and repeated heavy impact can cause hand fatigue that weakens your grip control and potentially causes more serious and more costly accidents down the line. Chronic injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are also a possibility. Work gloves help protect your hands and wrists from these repetitive impacts and prevent lasting damage.

Mechanics

When working with the finer components or digging around the inside of a car, a mechanic’s hands are exposed to cuts, lacerations, burns, blunt trauma, and more. Mechanics routinely lift and maneuver heavy parts, work in tight places, and use tools like welding torches in repetitive, tiring motions. Work gloves will shield you should you brush up against something sharp or accidentally slip up with your tools.

Welding

Similar to mechanics, welders engage in a hands-on job that requires hand protection because of the endurance necessary to perform their job. Rather than cuts, however, welders are primarily vulnerable to burns from their welding torches, sparks, heat, and fire. Welding also has a lot of repetitive actions that may lead to chronic symptoms, but welders also need a level of dexterity to perform their job effectively. Luckily, there are work gloves tailored to these needs that offer a balance of protection and the freedom of movement necessary for fine motor skills.

Logging

In many respects, logging is considered the most dangerous job in the United States. Heavy machinery and tools, falling trees, and environmental concerns like cold temperatures are a constant threat to a person’s well-being. Thus, features to look for in work gloves include cut protection, impact resistance, and vibration resistance. Additionally, they must also be able to keep your hands warm. Nothing makes your hands feel stiff and vulnerable like being cold.