PPE & PROTECTIVE WORKWEAR SAFE HANDS
Clair Weston, Marketing Manager at uvex, discusses the significance of choosing the right hand protection in winter, the potential hazards of neglecting proper protection and offers some advice on how to make informed choices to ensure safety and productivity.
Working in cold weather can be challenging and potentially dangerous. As temperatures drop, the risk of cold-related injuries increases, making it crucial to invest in proper hand protection for the winter months. When it comes to selecting the right gloves for winter work, several key factors come into play, such as comfort, fit, and grip.
FEELING THE COLD Working in cold weather can lead to various cold- temperature-related issues. Workers in cold climates are at risk of skin rashes, frostnip, frostbite, loss of motor skills, and even hypothermia, which can result in severe injuries, including the loss of extremities. One of the most common cold-weather hazards is the loss of sensation in the hands, leading to an increased risk of accidents, such as dropped tools, impact injuries, cuts, and pinch injuries.
The danger multiplies when a cold environment combines with moisture. Water draws heat away from the body 25 times faster than air, making wet hands more susceptible to freezing and severe injury. Not only does this pose a significant risk to workers, but it also reduces productivity and morale as employees struggle to perform tasks with numb fingers.
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COLD WEATHER HAZARDS In cold weather, one of the first things affected is your range of motion. As your body prioritises keeping your core warm, it redirects blood away from your limbs, which can hinder flexibility, dexterity, and agility in your hands and feet. This limitation reduces a worker's ability to grip objects, carry loads, or respond to dangerous situations effectively.
Glove coatings play a crucial role in maintaining a strong grip, and manufacturers are constantly innovating to enhance this feature. A secure grip prevents materials from slipping in the first place, reduces the risk of early fatigue, and minimises the need for overexertion, which can lead to injuries.
THE PITFALLS OF OVERPROTECTION It's important to note that overprotection is not the answer when it comes to hand safety. For example, there is often a strong focus on cut protection when specifying gloves. Indeed, high levels of cut protection are essential for some tasks, and changes to the way gloves are evaluated for cut protection have made it easier for specifiers and users of gloves to choose the most appropriate products for their needs but it's equally crucial to consider other factors, such as
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