Back-of-the-Hand Protection: Strategies for Employers

Various work settings and scenarios can risk back-of-the-hand injuries. What are the methods for protecting workers’ hands, as well as ways to convince workers to use them?

• By David Kopf
• Nov 19, 2024

Marcus, a construction worker, is installing wooden framework. As he positions a beam with his left hand, he reaches over with a framing hammer in his right to drive a nail. His focus is split between holding the beam steady and aiming the hammer. In one swift, misaligned swing, the hammer slips off the nail and strikes the back of his left hand.

Pain immediately radiates through Marcus’s hand and up his arm. Though he wears gloves for grip and abrasion protection, they lack back-of-the-hand reinforcement. Within minutes, bruising and swelling set in, and Marcus is headed to a medical professional for an x-ray to confirm a likely fracture and determine treatment. He’s out for this job, and his employer must now line up a replacement. This morning’s work just got a whole lot more complicated for everyone involved.

Unfortunately, this scenario plays out time and time again in various work environments across industries. There are many reasons why back-of-the-hand protection is important in worker safety:

• Prevention of Crush Injuries: Workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing frequently handle heavy materials. The back of the hand is especially vulnerable to crush injuries from dropped objects or pinching between parts.
• Impact Protection: Workers exposed to high-impact tasks, like hammering or using vibrating machinery, benefit from back-of-the-hand protection, which reduces force and protects bones and soft tissue from damage.
• Abrasion Resistance: Hands are often exposed to rough surfaces like metal, concrete, or sharp edges. Abrasion-resistant materials on the back provide shielding against cuts, scrapes, and punctures.
• Burn and Heat Protection: For workers in welding, foundry, or other high-temperature environments, back-of-the-hand protection includes heat-resistant materials, preventing burns from sparks, molten metal, or hot surfaces.
• Ergonomics and Comfort: Some back-of-the-hand protections support natural hand movement, improving comfort and reducing fatigue during long work periods.

Fortunately, there are many approaches to back-of-the-hand protection, ranging from simpler to advanced options for various work contexts:

• Leather. A classic material providing basic abrasion resistance, durability, and some heat protection in heavy-duty environments.
• Metal or Hard Plastic Shields. Rigid shields for high-impact protection, especially used in extreme environments, were among the earliest methods of hand protection.
• Extended Padding. Extra layers or thick padding distribute impact pressure across a larger area of the hand.
• Kevlar. Known for its cut and puncture resistance, Kevlar became a staple in high-risk industries.
• Cut-Resistant Fabrics (HPPE, Dyneema). Lightweight fabrics like HPPE and Dyneema offer flexible cut and abrasion resistance.
• Impact-Resistant Foam. A modern impact absorption material, it distributes force across the hand, lowering fracture risks.
• Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR). Flexible, molded padding that absorbs force, providing impact protection without limiting dexterity.
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). Similar to TPR but lighter, TPU offers impact and abrasion resistance.
• Silicone Padding. Primarily reduces vibration from power tools, helping prevent repetitive strain injuries.
• Heat-Resistant Materials (Nomex, Aluminized Fiberglass). These materials protect against extreme temperatures, essential in industries like welding and foundries.

However, some complaints might dissuade workers from wearing gloves with enhanced back-of-the-hand protection, as they may feel the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Understanding these concerns is essential to address them effectively:

• Reduced Dexterity. Adding padding can make hand movements less precise, especially in heavier or stiffer gloves.
• Reduced Breathability. Extra layers make gloves hotter and less breathable, challenging in warm or physically demanding environments.
• Hand Fatigue. Bulkier gloves can cause fatigue over time, especially in repetitive or demanding tasks.
• Limited Tactile Sensitivity. Protective materials reduce tactile feedback, making it harder to manipulate objects, particularly in precision tasks.
• Reduced Range of Motion. Advanced features may restrict wrist and finger mobility, impacting certain tasks.

Getting employees to consistently wear back-of-the-hand protection can be challenging, but employers can encourage compliance through several steps. Here are foundational, time-tested methods alongside more tailored strategies:

• Education and Training. Educating workers on the risks and benefits of hand protection is essential for fostering compliance.
• Policy and Enforcement. Instituting a clear PPE policy and enforcing it through supervision remains a standard approach.
• Lead by Example. Supervisors and managers wearing PPE themselves reinforces glove use and demonstrates commitment to safety.
• Comfort and Performance Improvements. Providing well-fitting gloves and replacing worn pairs is crucial for consistent use.
• Involve Workers in Glove Selection. Involving workers in glove choice ensures comfort and practicality for their tasks.
• Promote Peer Accountability. Encouraging workers to remind each other about PPE use fosters a team-oriented safety culture.
• Highlight Safety Success Stories. Sharing stories where gloves prevented injuries emphasizes their importance.
• Incentives for Compliance. Rewarding employees who wear PPE regularly builds a positive association with glove use.
• Comfort Breaks. Short breaks to remove gloves and stretch hands help address fatigue.
• Safety Campaigns and Competitions. Team challenges add an engaging aspect to compliance, rewarding departments with high adherence.

These methods should sound like familiar territory, yet put into practice, employers can help workers keep safety in their grasp and reduce the risk of back-of-the-hand injuries that impact everyone on the job.

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.