In a collaborative effort to improve awareness of advancements in workplace hand protection, Protective Industrial Products, Inc. (PIP) and DSM Dyneema announced today their co-Premier Sponsorship of the ASSE Foundation’s Safety Matters 2015 fundraising golf event.

The organizations’ co-Premier Sponsorship involves much more than their significant financial support for the fundraising event; with workplace hand injuries continuing to occur at alarming rates, PIP and DSM Dyneema are taking serious aim at a key factor in workplace hand protection – building knowledge amongst safety professionals about cut resistant gloves made with advanced materials. Such personal protective equipment (PPE) can serve a critical role in improving worker compliance and reducing jobsite hand injuries. However, opportunities for safety product manufacturers and materials suppliers to jointly interact directly with those responsible for making workplace PPE decisions are infrequent.

“Safety managers and other workplace safety leaders play a very important role within manufacturing operations, and we want to support efforts to educate and prepare the next generation so injury rates continue to decline,” says Anthony Di Giovanni, Vice President of Global Marketing, PIP. “In particular, we want to show our commitment to do all we can to inform and reduce the knowledge gap as it relates to hand protection and the importance of understanding differences in materials and technologies available today that offer stronger, better and safer defense against on the job hazards.”

Prior to and after the golf event, PIP, whose G-Tek® 3GX™ protective gloves line represents the most comprehensive portfolio of hand protection made with Dyneema® Diamond Technology, will join DSM Dyneema in brief demonstrations of common workplace applications of the company’s latest cut protection products. Also, all those participating in the golf tournament will receive a pair of PIP’s lightest and thinnest cut resistant glove. Thus those in attendance will be able to experience for themselves the work gloves’ comfortable feel, which for many will bring to mind a different type of glove more commonly associated with the golf course setting.

“Utilizing Dyneema® Diamond Technology material, glove manufacturers such as PIP have developed gloves that are light, thin and comfortable enough to offer bare hand like feel. This is not unlike the thin leather gloves commonly worn when gripping a golf club, but with one notable differentiation: cut protection sufficient for most manufacturing industry applications,” said Matt Reid, Marketing Manager, DSM Dyneema. “First and foremost, our co-sponsorship of Safety Matters 2015 will contribute to opportunities for those preparing to enter the safety field. But it also is aligned clearly with our commitment to Create the World’s Safest Hands. The event enables us to change the conversation and showcase protective gloves in a way that will open eyes to the possibilities available due to innovation in materials."

Dyneema® Diamond Technology offers a number of advantages over other materials used to make cut resistant gloves. In some material deniers the proprietary DSM Dyneema science behind Dyneema® Diamond Technology enables glove manufacturers to choose one of two options: a higher level of cut resistance at the same weight and comfort level as existing gloves within that range of cut protection; or, a thinner and more comfortable glove that provides the same level of cut protection as current gloves. Dyneema® Diamond Technology also offers superior abrasion resistance, enabling longer usable glove life without sacrificing cut protection as happens with some other materials over time or when laundered.

All proceeds from the Safety Matters golf outing will support the Foundation’s Safety Matters fund, which is used to expand existing programs, act on upcoming trends, and fill program gaps that are crucial for the future of the safety profession. This year, close to 150 golfers will gather at the Texas Star Golf Course to network and have fun in support of the mission of the Foundation. To register, call ASSE Customer Service at 847.699.2929 or download the Golf Registration Form.

“We are pleased to welcome PIP and DSM Dyneema as our Premier Partners for the 2015 Safety Matters Golf Outing, and appreciate these organizations’ commitment to supporting the next generation of safety professionals,” said Alexi Carli, Chair of the ASSE Foundation. “Their work together is in alignment with the Foundation’s focus on providing resources to safety professionals in order to eliminate injuries and improve lives.”  

About the ASSE Foundation

The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation, established by and in partnership with the American Society of Safety Engineers, generates funding and provides resources for educational advancement, leadership development, research opportunities, and related academic initiatives in order to advance the safety, health, and environmental profession. For more information on the foundation and its programs visit www.asse.org/foundation.

Founded in 1911, ASSE is the oldest professional safety society and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 37,000 occupational safety, health, and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research, and consult on safety, health, transportation, and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education. For more information visit www.asse.org

About PIP

Protective Industrial Products, Inc. (PIP) is a leading supplier of Hand Protection and Personal Protective Equipment to wholesalers and distributors worldwide. PIP's mission statement of “Bringing the Best of the World to You®” is fulfilled every day by providing users with best-in-class personal protective equipment. PIP strengthens its value proposition by also offering its products in the most efficient and flexible manner while building long-term relationships with its distributors. Additional information about PIP is available at www.pipusa.com or by contacting Anthony Di Giovanni at 518-595-1234 or adigiovanni@pipusa.com

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMwPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40 percent stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

UHMwPE fiber from DSM Dyneema is produced in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.) and in Heerlen (The Netherlands). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM has around 21,000 employees and delivers annual net sales of more than €9 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.