Views: 97 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-02-16 Origin: Site
When it comes to workplace hand protection, choosing the right type of glove is critical. Two of the most commonly used protective gloves are cut-resistant gloves and impact gloves. While both are designed to reduce hand injuries, they protect against different types of hazards. Understanding their differences helps ensure workers are properly protected without unnecessary bulk or discomfort.
Cut-resistant gloves are designed to protect hands from cuts, slashes, and abrasions caused by sharp objects such as knives, metal edges, glass, or blades.
Engineered with high-strength fibers like HPPE, aramid, steel, or fiberglass blends
Rated under ANSI/ISEA 105 (A1–A9) or EN388 (A–F)
Focused on resisting slicing and cutting forces
Metal fabrication and sheet metal handling
Glass handling and installation
Assembly and manufacturing
Food processing and packaging
Recycling and waste sorting
Cut-resistant gloves are ideal when sharp edges are the primary hazard.
Impact gloves are designed to protect hands from blunt force injuries, such as impacts, crushing, or pinching. They typically feature reinforced padding or TPR (thermoplastic rubber) on the back of the hand and fingers.
Shock-absorbing padding on knuckles and fingers
Designed to reduce injury from falling objects or tool impact
Often certified under EN388 impact protection (P marking)
Oil and gas operations
Construction and demolition
Mining
Heavy equipment operation
Rigging and material handling
Impact gloves are best suited for environments where hand strikes and collisions are common.
| Feature | Cut-Resistant Gloves | Impact Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Protection | Cuts and lacerations | Impacts and crushing |
| Main Hazard Type | Sharp objects | Blunt force |
| Palm Protection | High cut resistance | Moderate abrasion |
| Back-of-Hand Protection | Minimal | Heavy padding or TPR |
| Dexterity | High to moderate | Moderate to low |
| Typical Industries | Manufacturing, glass, food | Construction, oil & gas |
Yes. Some gloves are designed to provide both cut resistance and impact protection. These hybrid gloves combine:
Cut-resistant liners for sharp hazards
Impact-resistant padding for blunt force protection
They are ideal for jobs involving multiple hand injury risks, such as heavy industrial maintenance or material handling with sharp and heavy objects.
Choosing between cut-resistant gloves and impact gloves depends on the primary hazard in your work environment. If workers face sharp edges or blades, cut-resistant gloves are essential. If the main risk comes from heavy objects, tools, or hand strikes, impact gloves are the better choice. In high-risk environments with mixed hazards, gloves that combine both protections may offer the best solution.
Selecting the right glove improves safety, comfort, and productivity—while reducing injury-related downtime.
For professional guidance or product inquiries regarding cut-resistant or impact gloves, contact LITA Safety at info@litasafety.com.
