• • • APPAREL • • • LAYERING UP FOR SAFETY:
WHY GLOVES MATTER ALL YEAR ROUND As working environments become more complex and expectations for safety increase, the need for thoughtful protection has grown By Paul Morgan, Operations Director at DART Tool Group
A
lmost every job carries the risk of small injuries, and without proper protection, they can quickly add up. That’s why gloves have evolved from a basic barrier to a key element of smart safety planning. Gloves serve multiple purposes, including protection from hazards, support for performance, insulation from cold, resistance to moisture, and even comfort over long shifts. And importantly, the idea that one glove could suit every task or season is outdated.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Different jobs demand different materials, coatings, flexibility levels, and protective features. When the job changes, the gloves should too.
Extra layers for safety
The growing focus on extra layers in safety culture reflects a shift toward preventing both major accidents and everyday discomfort. Safety isn’t just about stopping serious incidents, it’s also about reducing strain, fatigue, and the small cuts or burns that slow people down. Even minor injuries carry a real cost.
For individuals, this loss can mean lost earnings,
pain, or long-term impact on their career. For businesses, this results in reduced productivity, higher insurance and reputational damage. With £1.64 billion lost to work-related ill health and injuries in 2022, the financial impact on both people and organisations is clear. In this industry, our hands can be constantly exposed to rough materials, tools, vibrations, and chemicals. A thin glove might offer dexterity but little protection, whereas a heavy-duty glove might shield from impacts but limit movement. That’s why layered protection has become so important. Just as workers might wear a base layer, mid-layer and outerwear on their bodies, gloves can follow the same logic: a liner for comfort, an insulating layer for warmth, and a protective shell for durability or waterproofing. Technology has also driven this change. New materials allow gloves to be stronger without being bulky, and more flexible without sacrificing safety.
As a result, expectations have risen. Workers now want gloves that protect while still allowing
them to do their jobs efficiently. Employers are recognising that the extra layer approach, thermal, waterproof, or reinforced, helps prevent long-term injuries and keeps productivity high.
Seasonal demands Seasonal demands add another layer of consideration. Work doesn’t stop for weather, so glove choice needs to match conditions just as carefully as boots or outerwear. In warm weather, thick or insulated gloves can trap heat and reduce grip. Whereas in cold weather, thin gloves can leave hands stiff and slow, making precise work more difficult and increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
Thermal gloves can retain warmth while allowing movement, but moisture from rain, snow, or condensation can make even insulated gloves uncomfortable or hazardous. Here, waterproof or water-resistant options become essential. During transitional seasons, mid-weight, all-season gloves provide grip and some insulation without being bulky, but they still cannot replace more specialised gloves in extreme conditions. The most effective approach encourages workers to switch, and employers to offer, gloves depending on temperature, weather, and task, recognising that adapting is safer than enduring.
Comfort and compliance The most advanced glove in the world won’t protect anyone if it’s uncomfortable and ends up in a pocket instead of on a hand. Here, compliance is closely tied to comfort, and workers are far more
12 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2025
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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