Back-of-the-Hand Protection: Strategies for Employers -- Occupational Health & Safety (2024)

Back-of-the-Hand Protection: Strategies for Employers

Various work settings and scenarios can risk back-of-the-hand injuries. What are the methods for protecting workers’ hands, as well as ways to convince workers to use them?

• By David Kopf
• Nov 19, 2024

Marcus, a construction worker, is installing wooden framework. As he positions a beam with his left hand, he reaches over with a framing hammer in his right to drive a nail. His focus is split between holding the beam steady and aiming the hammer. In one swift, misaligned swing, the hammer slips off the nail and strikes the back of his left hand.

Pain immediately radiates through Marcus’s hand and up his arm. Though he wears gloves for grip and abrasion protection, they lack back-of-the-hand reinforcement. Within minutes, bruising and swelling set in, and Marcus is headed to a medical professional for an x-ray to confirm a likely fracture and determine treatment. He’s out for this job, and his employer must now line up a replacement. This morning’s work just got a whole lot more complicated for everyone involved.

Unfortunately, this scenario plays out time and time again in various work environments across industries. There are many reasons why back-of-the-hand protection is important in worker safety:

• Prevention of Crush Injuries: Workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing frequently handle heavy materials. The back of the hand is especially vulnerable to crush injuries from dropped objects or pinching between parts.
• Impact Protection: Workers exposed to high-impact tasks, like hammering or using vibrating machinery, benefit from back-of-the-hand protection, which reduces force and protects bones and soft tissue from damage.
• Abrasion Resistance: Hands are often exposed to rough surfaces like metal, concrete, or sharp edges. Abrasion-resistant materials on the back provide shielding against cuts, scrapes, and punctures.
• Burn and Heat Protection: For workers in welding, foundry, or other high-temperature environments, back-of-the-hand protection includes heat-resistant materials, preventing burns from sparks, molten metal, or hot surfaces.
• Ergonomics and Comfort: Some back-of-the-hand protections support natural hand movement, improving comfort and reducing fatigue during long work periods.

Fortunately, there are many approaches to back-of-the-hand protection, ranging from simpler to advanced options for various work contexts:

• Leather. A classic material providing basic abrasion resistance, durability, and some heat protection in heavy-duty environments.
• Metal or Hard Plastic Shields. Rigid shields for high-impact protection, especially used in extreme environments, were among the earliest methods of hand protection.
• Extended Padding. Extra layers or thick padding distribute impact pressure across a larger area of the hand.
• Kevlar. Known for its cut and puncture resistance, Kevlar became a staple in high-risk industries.
• Cut-Resistant Fabrics (HPPE, Dyneema). Lightweight fabrics like HPPE and Dyneema offer flexible cut and abrasion resistance.
• Impact-Resistant Foam. A modern impact absorption material, it distributes force across the hand, lowering fracture risks.
• Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR). Flexible, molded padding that absorbs force, providing impact protection without limiting dexterity.
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). Similar to TPR but lighter, TPU offers impact and abrasion resistance.
• Silicone Padding. Primarily reduces vibration from power tools, helping prevent repetitive strain injuries.
• Heat-Resistant Materials (Nomex, Aluminized Fiberglass). These materials protect against extreme temperatures, essential in industries like welding and foundries.

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.