5 Reasons Heavy Equipment Operators Need Anti Vibration Gloves

Do you know the risks of using heavy, vibrating equipment without proper hand protection? Unfortunately, many workers and employers don’t. As developers of premium hand protection for clients around the world, it’s our job to understand those risks and develop products that keep workers safe on the job. 

That’s why this blog post will cover the top 5 reasons why anti-vibration gloves are vital for all heavy equipment operators and anyone who uses vibrating pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or gasoline-powered tools. 

Examples include:

• Jackhammers
• Power drills
• Pneumatic drills
• Masonry saws
• Chainsaws
• Sanders
• Impact wrenches
• Others

Now let’s get started.

1. Chronic Conditions Like HAVS

Prolonged use of vibrating tools and equipment puts stress on your hands, forearms, and wrists over time. This can eventually lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI), which affect about 1.8 million workers each year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA). 

Long-term use of vibrating equipment and tools can also cause chronic conditions like carpal tunnel and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). 

HAVS is a disabling condition that affects the central nervous system and causes damage to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints. Symptoms of HAVS often seem inconsequential at first, but they can become debilitating. They commonly progress in this order:

1. Intermittent tingling and/or numbness in the fingers
2. Blanching (whitening) of one or more fingertips (often on cold, wet, or windy days)
3. More permanent numbness 
4. Loss of grip strength and range of motion
5. Difficulty performing tasks like fastening shirt buttons or opening jars

Symptoms of HAVS are often permanent, but the right safety precautions can prevent the condition from occurring in the first place. High-quality, vibration-dampening hand protection can effectively disperse vibration from tools, protecting workers’ hands and significantly decreasing the risk of chronic health conditions like HAVS.

While many glove manufacturers just use foam, Cestus gloves utilize our proprietary hexagonal memory gel®, which is specifically designed to absorb vibration and reduce the risk of HAVS, carpal tunnel, and all repetitive strain injuries.

2. Acute Injuries

In addition to chronic injuries, heavy equipment also inevitably puts workers at risk for sudden injuries like cuts, lacerations, scrapes, and crushing injuries. Vibration from tools and heavy equipment causes hand fatigue, which quickly reduces grip control. Tired hands that can’t grip properly are more likely to make costly and dangerous mistakes. 

Anti-vibration gloves that promote comfort and dexterity can help prevent acute injuries on job sites. Unlike many bulky, uncomfortable gloves, Cestus gloves with hexagonal memory gel are built to improve dexterity without sacrificing anti-vibration efficiency. 

3. Workers’ Compensation Claims

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including those caused by vibrating tools, account for roughly 30% of all workplace injuries that result in lost workdays and about a third of the money given out in workers’ compensation claims. Some estimates suggest these injuries cost up to $20 billion a year.

Workers’ comp claims are difficult for everyone involved. Not only is the situation stressful and disheartening for the injured person, but it can also have a serious impact on employee morale and the company’s well-being. Not only is there the cost of workers’ comp payments, but also the cost of hiring and training a new person.

Proper personal hand protection goes a long way towards preventing injuries that can lead to costly, stressful, and potentially contentious workers’ compensation claims.

4. Comfort on the Job

Although health and safety is always the first priority, it’s also important to note that the right pair of anti-vibration gloves will make power tools and other equipment much more comfortable to operate. They will:

• Prevent discomfort in your hands, wrists, and forearms 
• Keep your hands warm and dry
• Protect your skin
• Make it easier to grip tools

Plus, the pre-curved finger seams on Cestus Armored Gloves promote wearer comfort while at rest and minimal tension when grasping tools.

5. Long-Term Happiness and Well-Being

There’s no denying that chronic and acute injuries can have a serious impact on a person’s life. In many cases, workers who have spent years refining their skills in a particular industry are told by a doctor that they must give up their career and find a new profession — one that doesn’t involve working with their hands.

Consistent use of anti-vibration gloves is an invaluable preventative measure. It can mean the difference between losing skilled, valuable workers and keeping them.

RELATED: 7 Dangerous Jobs That Involve Working with Your Hands

Cestus Can Help

Cestus Armored Gloves is at the forefront of anti-vibration safety and technology. Our gloves are well-researched, meticulously designed, and then rigorously tested in real-life environments. 

Our vibration dampening gloves effectively disperse vibration from tools and heavy equipment. They allow you to work longer and more efficiently without putting your safety on the line. Plus, we have a wide range of options from light to heavy-duty in our Anti-Vibration Series.

Have questions about anti-vibration gloves or how to choose the right pair for your industry? We’re here to help. Contact us today!