What to Look for When Choosing an Impact Resistant Glove

When you’re working in potentially hazardous conditions, you need to be able to perform your work safely and effectively, without worrying about hand injuries. The right pair of impact-resistant gloves make all the difference.

Cuts, punctures, and blunt force hand injuries are some of the most common and debilitating work injuries -- but they’re also some of the most preventable. Research from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests that more than 70% of hand and arm injuries can be prevented by wearing proper protective equipment, specifically gloves.

There are dozens of options available. The trick is to find work gloves with the right combination of specialized features to meet the demands of your work conditions. You also need your gloves to be comfortable and fit you right.

Here’s what you need to know about impact-resistant gloves:

When Do You Need Impact Resistant Gloves?

Anyone doing construction, woodworking, heavy yard work, or jobs involving power tools should look for gloves with impact protection. Impact-resistant gloves are often necessary for people whose work involves:

• Mining
• Forestry
• Metalworking
• Aircraft maintenance
• Bricklaying
• Roofing
• Carpentry
• More

What to Look For

Impact-resistant gloves have extra layers of material -- often foam and rubber -- that are specifically designed to absorb the shock of heavy blows as well as vibration from power tools. Look for continuous protection from fingertips to wrists, including on palms, fingers, knuckles, and the backs of your hands.

The best anti-impact gloves will protect you not only from impacts, but from cuts, punctures, blisters, chafing, and bruising too.

For many jobs, it’s important that your hands still have their full range of motion, so you also want your impact protection to be as flexible as possible. Gloves with goatskin leather like these can increase dexterity:

Choosing the Right Glove For Your Work

Depending on your work, you might want to look for impact-resistant gloves that also have additional features. For example, jobs that involve wet or oily surfaces require gloves with reliable grip control. You may also need gloves with cut-resistant palms and abrasion resistance.

If you’ll be doing electrical work, avoid gloves with conductive materials like metal, and opt for materials like leather and rubber instead.

The weather and temperature play a role too. Breathability becomes a factor when you’re working in hot environments. Metalworkers need gloves made with heat-resistant and fire-resistant materials.

If you work outdoors in the winter, consider getting a good pair of winter work gloves with a fleece or faux fur lining (for warmth) and a waterproof layer to keep your hands dry.

Finding the Right Fit

Gloves that don’t fit you properly will be uncomfortable, but they can also be unsafe. Ill-fitting gloves can cause long-term injuries or even short-term injuries like muscle cramps and blisters. Gloves that are too big are likely to slip, and gloves that are too tight will restrict your range of motion.

To determine the right size glove, measure your hands, and look at brands’ sizing charts before making a purchase.

Looking for more advice on impact-resistant gloves?

Finding the perfect pair means balancing a list of factors, including protection, comfort, durability, dexterity, and more. It’s worth doing some research and investing in the right pair. Our impact gloves collection contains dozens of gloves that are sure to fit your need, as well as helpful information about impact resistance technology.

Want more advice on choosing the right glove for you? Contact us and ask us your questions!