Rank: Forum user 
|
Good afternoon,
Last year one of my colleagues lost his wedding ring finger as the result of an accident in work. He returned to work on light duties at the end of last year, and is now keen to return to his previous role.
To do this he would be required to wear cut resistant gloves, but I've been unable to find anyone who is able to supply a glove which fits and offers the necessary cut resistance.
I've spoken to our usual glove suppliers, specialist glove makes, our local Union, and our local HSE Inspector, and nobody has been able to help.
Has anyone else come across this problem? Can anyone point me in the right direction?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
I presume that your problem is the missing finger which is not allowed for by the glove and which will then flap around and present a hazard.
To produce a 'special' would be exorbitantly expensive as most of these gloves are produced on automatic machinery. What you could try is something one of my clients did at my suggestion. This is to purchase some cut-resistant gloves that otherwise were a suitable fit and then cut off the offending finger. (Most cut resistant gloves are just that and using suitable equipment can be cut!) Leave a small flap that can be stretched over the hole and sewed to the rest of the glove. It is not the most elegant solution, but in at least one case it has worked!
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks for the response Chris.
Your presumption is correct. The root of the wedding ring finger was removed to close the gap, which has left a distorted hand. We've asked a number of local tailors to alter our current gloves, as you suggest. They've all refused to do so as by cutting the glove they feel they'd be liable if there was an accident involving the glove.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: New forum user
|
May I suggest that your next action should be to contact other manufacturers to see if they can help. A local modification which has not been approved by the specific glove maker may (would probably) render the warranty void in the event of an accident. From the initial post it is not known what the man's job is but could a chainmail type of glove be substituted for the man's left hand with the relevant finger fixed back if the manufacturer accepts this? This would have the effect of preserving the initial integrity of the glove. Good luck on this one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
I had a similar issue myself many years ago - I lost the end of my index finger in a workplace accident - I worked in a melting shop at the time and required heat resistant protection for my hands.
I could not wear the gloves because the irritation on my fingertip was very painful - our supplier made me a padded insert for the inside worked a treat whist maintaining their integrity.
It requires bit of imagination from the supplier / manufacturer and they should come up with something.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
The common dilemma of PPE not being available for those with impairment or disfigurement, with the individual concerned owed an increased duty of care by the employer.
Manufacturer's will not modify PPE made to the appropriate EN/ISO standard as that would invalidate type approval and thus contravene the PPE (2002) Regulations. Were the employer to modify (as per the approaches to local tailors) then he would be in breach of the PPE (92) Regs.
(DP's solution is a typical innovative instance where the adaptation has no material effect on the approved item)
I have no ready answer, but sometimes it is not possible to accommodate individuals in these instances. The IP may wish to consider these issues if and when a Civil Claim is pursued.
Is there perhaps a mitt available that would bt suitable for the task?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Two options I've seen used are sewing/pinning the finger to the back of the glove. Also to tuck the finger back inside the glove. All depends on material used.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
JPOM wrote: The root of the wedding ring finger was removed to close the gap, which has left a distorted hand.
Some are missing the point that this is something more than a missing digit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
To be honest and not too harsh, if you can't find him PPE that he requires to do a certain job you may have to employ him elsewhere in the company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
We had a similar problem where the person had lost 2 fingers at different joints. We contacted our PPE providers who arranged for the gloves to be modified. We were required to trace the persons hands and they made 3 sets of gloves to fit.
Martin Gray
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks for all your comments.
Martin, would it be possible for you to PM me your PPE providers details please. Our's have not been very helpful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.