Our first thought in hand protection is often to start with a glove that would protect operatives’ hands against the possibility of injury incurred by mechanical hazards, such as cuts or puncture wounds etc. And this isn’t wrong.

But when was the last time we stepped back and asked a different question: are we really looking after long-term health of our operatives’ hands?

Did you know that Construction operatives are more than twice as likely to develop contact dermatitis, as those working within other industries?

For many, this isn’t just a minor irritation, it can mean ongoing pain, discomfort, and in some cases, having to leave the job altogether. For businesses, it can result in £ millions being paid out to victims in compensation.

Often, it’s the things we don’t immediately see:

• Wearing damp gloves for long periods can cause repeated friction on the skin, leading to irritation.
• Wet work without the right protection, such as handling concrete, can strip moisture from the skin and even cause burns.
• In hotter conditions, sweat trapped inside gloves creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.
• And of course, exposure to certain chemicals can sensitise the skin over time and trigger dermatitis.

This brings us to a question that often comes up: hand protection vs. hand health – which matters more?

The answer is simple: it shouldn’t be a trade-off.

Start by setting a clear baseline for mechanical protection, then select gloves that are suited to the working environment (wet or dry). By doing this, you’re not only protecting against immediate injury but also addressing the underlying causes of long-term hand health issues.

As organisations, it’s essential we take a holistic view on hand protection, considering the health and safety of our operatives’ hands, not just for now, but for the long-term.