Protecting employee’s hands from workplace injury is important. But did you know hand protection goes beyond cuts and bruises? Did you know employers are required to assess the types of hand hazards employees face and provide the appropriate hand personal protective equipment? Yup. If employees are/can be exposed to harmful chemicals (skin absorption, chemical burns) or thermal burns (fire/heat), or cuts/lacerations/punctures the employer must identify such events and tasks which such events may/could occur.
Once the potential hazards are identified the proper glove(s) must be provided by the employer for employees to use so their hands will be properly protected.
After all, employers hired the employee to use his/her hands for the job. Protecting the hand protects the employee, the job and employer.
Check out OSHA safety rule 29 CFR 1910.138 (a) and (b).