When Should You Wear Cut-Resistant Gloves at Work?

Hand injuries caused by cuts and lacerations are among the most common workplace accidents across many industries. Sharp tools, metal edges, glass, and machinery components can cause serious injuries if proper hand protection is not used. Knowing when to wear cut-resistant gloves at work is essential for maintaining safety, productivity, and regulatory compliance.

1. When Handling Sharp Tools or Blades

Cut-resistant gloves should always be worn when working with sharp hand tools, including:

• Knives and box cutters

• Utility blades

• Scalpels or precision cutting tools

• Saws and cutting equipment

These gloves reduce the risk of accidental cuts caused by slips, sudden movements, or tool kickback.

2. When Handling Metal Parts or Sheet Metal

Metalworking tasks often involve sharp edges, burrs, or unfinished surfaces. Cut-resistant gloves are necessary when:

• Handling sheet metal

• Loading or unloading stamped parts

• Working with pipes, wire, or metal frames

Even small metal edges can cause deep lacerations without proper protection.

3. When Working With Glass or Sharp Materials

Glass handling is a high-risk activity for hand injuries. Cut-resistant gloves should be worn when:

• Handling raw or finished glass

• Installing windows or panels

• Recycling or disposing of broken glass

High cut-resistance levels help protect against slicing injuries while maintaining grip and control.

4. During Assembly, Manufacturing, and Fabrication Work

Many manufacturing and assembly tasks involve repeated contact with sharp components. Cut-resistant gloves are recommended when:

• Assembling mechanical or electronic parts

• Operating stamping or punching machines

• Handling unfinished components during fabrication

In these environments, gloves help prevent both sudden injuries and cumulative hand damage.

5. When Operating or Maintaining Machinery

Machine maintenance and setup often expose workers to sharp internal components. Cut-resistant gloves should be worn during:

• Equipment maintenance and repairs

• Machine setup or adjustments

• Cleaning or clearing jammed parts

This is especially important when lockout/tagout procedures require hands-on contact with internal machine parts.

6. In Recycling, Waste Management, and Logistics

Workers in recycling and logistics frequently encounter unpredictable sharp hazards. Cut-resistant gloves are essential when:

• Sorting recyclable materials

• Handling scrap metal or waste

• Opening packages or cutting strapping materials

These gloves provide reliable protection in environments where hazards are not always visible.

7. When Required by Safety Regulations or Risk Assessments

Many workplaces require cut-resistant gloves based on:

• Job hazard analyses (JHA)

• OSHA or local safety regulations

• Company safety policies

If a task is identified as having a cut risk, wearing cut-resistant gloves is a necessary part of PPE compliance.

Conclusion

Cut-resistant gloves should be worn whenever there is a reasonable risk of hand cuts from sharp tools, materials, or equipment. From metal handling and glass work to machinery maintenance and logistics, these gloves play a vital role in preventing injuries and supporting workplace safety programs.

For expert advice or product inquiries regarding cut-resistant gloves, please contact LITA Safety at info@litasafety.com.