COVER STORY
UNCONDITIONAL GLOVE
With advancements in technology and an increase in the risks workers are exposed to, Mark Mastrangelo, Marketing Manager for Polyco,
discusses how selecting the correct hand protection is critical. The earliest reference to the use of gloves dates back to Roman times when gloves made of linen and silk were worn to keep hands grease free and clean during mealtimes. It wasn’t until the 13th century that gloves started to be worn as a fashion accessory, with glove wearing becoming a
processes that has seen the use of gloves expanding into new activities like gardening, driving and goalkeeping.
symbol of wealth or power. A number of well-known figures throughout history have become recognised for their glove wearing, such as Michael Jackson and the Queen.
Moving through history the evolution
of the glove has continued, with the
introduction of new materials
and manufacturing 18
In more recent years, with the advanced technologies available, new processes such as 3D printing are being pioneered to produce items like hand protection. BMW was one of the first organisations to produce custom thumb guards through 3D printing. The thumb guards are specifically used by workers assembling cars, to help reduce the stress placed on their joints during this process. The gloves are created by individually scanning each recipient’s hand and then customising to match the form and size. This revolutionary manufacturing process is just the beginning of what is to come for the hand protection industry.
KEEPING HANDS SAFE Gloves play a big role in ensuring the safety of workers, protecting their hands from potential injuries such as cuts, abrasions and even skin disease. Hand protection as a means of personal protective equipment (PPE) is regarded as a last resort. If employees are at risk of injury to hands and arms that can’t
be eliminated through engineering and work practice controls then the appropriate hand protection will need to be provided.
Hand protection is crucial, as figures released by the HSE for 2012/13 showed that there were more than 17,400 handling injuries to employees. This, together with figures from 2010/11, shows that more than 3,300 handling injuries were through cuts from sharp material or equipment, highlighting the need for hand protection to be provided to all workers exposed to such risk of injury.
Protecting workers from hand injury isn’t just about safeguarding them from potentially life-changing injuries, but also about protecting the business itself. The loss of a worker for a long period of time or, in some instances, forever, can have a serious impact on the income of the business.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT
GLOVE IS CRITICAL Once a risk assessment has been carried out and it has been established that hand protection is required, the next task is the process of determining the most appropriate glove for the job. The nature of the hazard and the
www.tomorrowshs.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62