Hand Protection: A Crucial Line of Defense for Food Safety

There is a critical link between worker safety and food safety, and nowhere is this more apparent than with the human hand—the primary point of interaction between workers and the products they make.

Nelson-Jameson recently hosted a panel of safety and PPE experts from Ansell, along with its own specialists. Together, they discussed the "domino effect" of hand injuries, the latest innovations in glove technology, and the strategic importance of hazard analysis in food manufacturing facilities.

Watch on demand: Check out the full recording to learn more about innovative hand protection and hazard analysis.

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The ‘Goldilocks Dilemma’ and The Domino Effect

A major challenge in hand protection is the "Goldilocks dilemma". If a glove is too thick, it causes hand muscle fatigue and reduces dexterity, leading workers to double-glove or lose focus; if a glove is too thin, it leads to injuries. Finding the "just right" fit is essential because distraction caused by pain or discomfort often leads to mistakes.

It was emphasized that worker safety is food safety, outlining the "domino effect". A cut on the line is not just an OSHA reportable incident; it becomes an immediate food safety liability regarding biological contaminants entering the food supply. Furthermore, glove failure poses a risk of foreign material control, where fragments of the glove itself could end up in the product.

Innovation and R&D: Quantifying Comfort

To address these challenges, manufacturers like Ansell are investing heavily in R&D to address market trends such as multi-hazard protection and touchscreen compatibility. It was noted that comfort is subjective, so R&D teams now use five specific tests to quantify it, measuring factors like palm thickness, stiffness, and moisture vapor transmission.

The panel highlighted several innovations designed to improve compliance and productivity:

• Thinner, Stronger Liners: The industry is moving toward 21-gauge liners that offer high cut protection while maintaining a "second skin" feel, a significant leap from older, thicker gloves.
• Aerofit Technology: New coatings are thinner than traditional nitrile foam, allowing workers to perform tasks quicker, according to testing.

Dual Protection: Solutions can offer both broad-range chemical protection and cut protection in a single glove, addressing the specific mixed hazards found in food plants.

What to Expect During a Hazard Analysis

To truly optimize a PPE program, the panel recommended utilizing a formal hazard analysis, such as the AnsellGUARDIAN program. It was explained that these assessments involve walking through the plant and talking directly to employees to understand their daily challenges.

During these assessments, experts often uncover hidden threats, including:

• Non-Compliant Gear: Gloves on the plant floor that are not FDA-approved.
• Improper Application: Using general leather gloves for tasks involving steam or chemicals rather than specialized thermal or waterproof gear.
• Laundry Issues: Laundering companies improperly washing cut-resistant fibers on high heat, which degrades the material and shortens the glove's lifespan.

Standardization and Simplification

Beyond safety, these assessments help simplify procurement. Facilities often stock too many SKUs, leading to confusion about which glove to use for which task. A proper analysis can reduce a glove portfolio by up to 25%, making procurement easier and ensuring cross-functional standardization.

Nelson-Jameson: Your Partner in Safety

Hazard analysis services are a complementary tool to help maximize safety and compliance. Whether you need to address chemical risks, reduce hazards, or consolidate inventory, Nelson-Jameson and Ansell can help you start the journey toward a safer, more efficient facility.