Hand injuries, such as cuts, strained muscles, tendon damage, nerve injuries, skin disorders and burns, can severely impact work quality and productivity, sometimes ending careers. According to The Center for Construction Research and Training’s Choose Hand Safety initiative, work-related hand injuries are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits and missed work days. Proper hand protection, specifically designed for jobsite applications, is critical not only for preventing these injuries but also for enabling workers to maintain the dexterity and control they need to perform their tasks effectively.
For trade professionals, protecting their hands is essential to performing tasks safely and efficiently. Hands are constantly exposed to hazards such as vibrations and sharp edges and impacts from operating power tools and handling rough materials. Among these risks, prolonged vibration exposure can increase the risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a condition that can cause permanent loss of sensation and mobility.
HAVS, also referred to as vibration white finger, is a progressive and often underdiagnosed condition that affects blood vessels, nerves, and joints of the hand and arm. Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, reduced grip strength, and finger blanching during cold weather. Left untreated, HAVS can become permanent, affecting a worker’s ability to perform even basic tasks – and in advanced cases, ending a career altogether.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), HAVS can develop in as little as one year of continuous exposure, especially when proper precautions are not in place. Many power tools for tasks using abrasives, such as grinding and sanding, generate high-frequency vibrations, which significantly increases risk levels if the tools are used without appropriate controls.
Despite its seriousness, HAVS remains significantly under-reported. Workers often dismiss symptoms like intermittent numbness and tingling, as they typically occur outside work hours or in cold conditions, making them less likely to seek medical attention. Physicians may also misdiagnose HAVS due to a lack of familiarity with the condition, further contributing to under-reporting. This underlines the importance of raising awareness among workers in many trades and industries to identify HAVS early and prevent its progression.
Practical recommendations
To minimize the risk of HAVS, NIOSH emphasizes the importance of implementing engineering controls, administrative practices and PPE. Jobsites should be designed to reduce vibration exposure, and employers are encouraged to select equipment with vibration-reducing features whenever possible. Additionally, workers should take regular breaks from using vibrating tools and ensure that tools are properly maintained to reduce unnecessary vibration caused by misalignment or wear.
Anti-vibration work gloves can be an important part of this vibration reduction strategy. They not only reduce vibration but also provide protection from other jobsite hazards, reducing circulatory effects that exacerbate symptoms like blanching and numbness. Together, these measures form a comprehensive approach to reducing vibration exposure and protecting workers’ health.
While eliminating vibration exposure on the jobsite may not always be feasible, anti-vibration gloves can play a vital role in reducing the transmission of vibration to the worker’s hands. These gloves are designed to reduce vibration, particularly at high frequencies, and should be considered as part of a broader strategy to protect workers.
Compared to standard work gloves, advanced anti-vibration gloves provide comprehensive protection against vibration hazards while offering additional features for enhanced safety and performance. Anti-vibration gloves are designed to meet safety standards like ISO 10819, which measures their ability to reduce vibration transmission. By combining vibration reduction with features such as cut resistance, they can provide multi-faceted protection, making them an important piece of PPE for many construction professionals.
Good anti-vibrations
As part of an ongoing commitment to jobsite safety and user-driven innovation, Milwaukee Tool recently launched two new anti-vibration gloves engineered to address the complex needs of workers exposed to vibration-intensive tasks. These gloves reflect years of research and field testing, developed with direct feedback from tradespeople in environments where extended equipment and tool use is unavoidable.
First up, Anti-Vibration ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Cut Level 4 High-Dexterity Nitrile Dipped Gloves were engineered to reduce harmful vibrations while maintaining dexterity and comfort. These gloves provide full hand vibration reduction and feature an 18-gauge liner for total hand mobility when handling small objects. A durable nitrile dip coating extends glove life on abrasive jobsite conditions, while a reinforced nitrile layer between the thumb and index finger enhance durability in high-wear areas.
A second example are Anti-Vibration Work Gloves, which deliver full hand vibration reduction while prioritizing long-term comfort and usability. Designed for durability, the gloves feature reinforced fingertips, palms and high-wear zones between the thumb and index finger. A breathable liner and built-in terry cloth sweat wipe help keep hands dry during extended shifts. Developed with input from tradespeople, these gloves address the key causes of PPE non-compliance, including discomfort and restricted mobility.
Building a safety culture
While PPE technology, including around gloves, continues to evolve, the human factor remains critical. Creating a culture of safety involves not only providing the appropriate PPE, but also ensuring workers are trained in its proper use and maintenance. Regular training sessions can address common reasons for non-compliance, such as discomfort or lack of awareness about the importance of hand protection. By prioritizing safety, employers can work to reduce the incidence of hand injuries, maintaining productivity and protecting their workforce.
Abrasive tasks will always carry inherent risk. But with the right tools, training and PPE – especially gloves designed to minimize vibration and maximize protection – workers can do their jobs more safely and comfortably. Milwaukee Tool’s anti-vibration gloves represent a key advancement in hand safety, offering the kind of innovation that not only protects workers’ health but helps keep them performing at their best.
For employers and safety managers looking to reduce injuries and promote long-term jobsite wellness, integrating products like these into their PPE program is not just a smart investment – it is a necessary one.
