Posted By Gavin Reeve My (construction industry) employer is considering making the wearing of gloves on all our projects mandatory at all times unless risk assessment shows them to increase risk. This is to reduce the level of minor hand injuries. Has anybody else got experience of this working in practice? I am concerned about knock-on effects such as skin problems and workforce unrest outweighing the safety improvements.

Posted By Clive Lowery Hi Gavin, I work for a ceiling/dry lining firm and we hve increasingly found over the last 18 months that the Principal Contractor is enforcing this along with glasses. Due to the nature of our work the operatives need dexterity of the fingers (getting screws from pouches etc). We have tried several glove types from fingerles kevlar to rigger gloves. We now use Perfect Fit Polymide Gloves supplied by Protec Direct. The part No is 2400251. The vast majority of our operatives are quite happy using these, although they only last about a week and are not so good in the wet. Its only the die hards who object and they would object in any case. If you speak to Protec Direct, I am sure they will be able to assist. Sales Rep is Steven Gregory 07740738839. Alternatively why dont you get hold of a manufacturer and ask for them to come to site and get your operatives involved in a trial of sorts. They are more likely to buy in to what they have reccommended. Regards Clive

Posted By Colin Richard Stokes Most of the large construction companies are now insisting on the wearing of gloves and some on glasses continuously on all sites. I don't have too much problem with gloves but glasses are resisted at all levels. I can simpathise with the employees on glasses although I myself wear them anyway(prescription safety glasses). There can be problems caused by operatives thinking that if they have glasses on then they don't need to bother with goggles for high impact risks. I believe eye protection & hand protection like any other PPE should be decided on by assessment and not by blanket site rules. I also agree that if you can involve the employees in the choosing of PPE you are more likely to succeed , although some will only accept Gucci gloves and aviator sunglasses! Colin