This code of practice provides basic guidelines to ensure worker safety in the workplace through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides hand and arm protection. An estimated twenty percent of disabling accidents in the workplace involve hands. Hands are a worker’s greatest assets and require protection.
Workers use hand protection to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes. PPE cannot eliminate a hazard, but can reduce the risk of injury. Employers need to select and require employees to use hand protection when at risk for injury.