Hand Protection and Glove Selection Toolbox Talk

Hands are involved in almost every task on a construction site, which also makes them one of the most frequently injured parts of the body. Cuts, punctures, burns, chemical exposure, and crush injuries can happen during routine work like handling materials, using hand tools, or operating equipment. Many of these injuries occur when the wrong type of glove is used—or when no gloves are worn at all.

This talk focuses on choosing the right gloves for the job, understanding the limits of different glove types, and making sure hand protection is used consistently during work. The goal is to reduce hand injuries by matching the glove to the actual hazard.

Why This Matters

• Hand injuries can range from minor cuts to severe crush injuries or amputations.
• Improper glove selection can create a false sense of protection.
• Many jobsite tasks involve sharp edges, rough materials, or pinch points.
• Damaged or worn gloves provide little protection against hazards.
• Protecting your hands helps maintain productivity and prevents lost work time.

Common Hazards

• Handling sheet metal, metal studs, wire, or sharp materials.
• Carrying lumber, concrete block, brick, or rough materials.
• Using knives, saws, grinders, or other cutting tools.
• Exposure to chemicals such as adhesives, sealants, or cleaners.
• Working around hot materials, welding equipment, or heated surfaces.
• Pinch points when setting materials, rigging loads, or working with moving equipment.
• Removing debris during demolition where nails, glass, or sharp fragments may be hidden.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Identify the hand hazards involved in the task.
• Select gloves designed for the specific risk such as cut resistance, chemical protection, or heat resistance.
• Inspect gloves for holes, tears, worn areas, or contamination.
• Make sure gloves fit properly and allow safe grip and movement.
• Replace gloves that are worn out or damaged before starting work.

During Work

• Wear gloves whenever handling materials with sharp edges or rough surfaces.
• Keep hands clear of pinch points when placing or adjusting materials.
• Use the correct gloves for chemical handling or wet work.
• Do not wear loose gloves around rotating tools or moving equipment where they could get caught.
• Maintain a firm grip on tools and materials, especially in wet or dusty conditions.
• Remove and replace gloves that become soaked with chemicals, oil, or other contaminants.
• Keep gloves clean so they maintain grip and visibility of your hands.

Crew Talking Points

• What hand hazards are involved in today’s work tasks?
• Does everyone have the correct gloves for their specific job?
• Are there tasks where gloves should not be worn due to rotating equipment?
• What materials on this site have sharp edges or hidden puncture hazards?
• Where are the biggest pinch point risks for our crew today?
• If anyone needs a different type of glove for their task, bring it up now.

Stop Work If

• The proper gloves for the task are not available.
• Gloves are damaged, torn, or heavily worn.
• Workers are handling hazardous materials without proper hand protection.
• Gloves are creating a risk around rotating tools or moving equipment.
• Workers cannot safely grip tools or materials due to glove condition or fit.

Final Reminder

Your hands are one of your most important tools. Choose the right gloves for the job, keep them in good condition, and use them every time the task requires it.