The Department of Labor (DOL) long ago identified hand injuries as the most preventable workplace injury. However, hand injuries consistently rank as the second most common workplace injury. They are a hazard of epidemic proportions, producing more than one million emergency room visits each year and accounting for nearly a quarter of all workplace injuries.
Puncture injuries caused by small penetrators that can introduce infectious material into the tissue are among the most prevalent and hazardous threats. While the safety glove industry has made significant advances in recent years, few providers have had much success resisting puncture threats and fine penetrators like hypodermic needles, splinters, glass shards and metal burrs. The challenge of the safety industry is twofold. It must continue to innovate and integrate new technologies and materials to curb hand injuries while educating the public about proper selection of available technologies.