15th March 2008, 10:44 PM
I would argue for gloves to be made available at all times rather than forcing them to be worn 'for the sake of it'..
I'm not sure if enough detailed research has been done to say for certain that hand injuries (however minor) are drastically reduced on sites where a compulsory glove wearing policy is in action. I suspect it would cut out minor 'band aid' injuries, though I'd still like the choice to wear gloves.
Wearing gloves all the time in the heat/cold/wet can aggravate minor skin conditions. I prefer to work without gloves generally, though like to think I have the common sense to put them on if, for example, I am trowelling flinty soil or a rubble layer likely to contain glass or slate.
There is a balance to be struck between common sense, comfort, sensible precautions and nannying, and compulsory wearing of PPE in all situations is overkill. It's ridiculous shovelling away in 30 degree plus heat in long sleeves, gloves, goggles and hard hat digging shallow features in the middle of a field far from any vehicles or machinery. You are much more likely to overheat, or at best sweat uncomfortably.
Back on topic, I have found most employers are happy to find diggers a days work in the office on days when they do require a GP visit, allowing a quick trip out of the office and back, worth bearing in mind!
I'm not sure if enough detailed research has been done to say for certain that hand injuries (however minor) are drastically reduced on sites where a compulsory glove wearing policy is in action. I suspect it would cut out minor 'band aid' injuries, though I'd still like the choice to wear gloves.
Wearing gloves all the time in the heat/cold/wet can aggravate minor skin conditions. I prefer to work without gloves generally, though like to think I have the common sense to put them on if, for example, I am trowelling flinty soil or a rubble layer likely to contain glass or slate.
There is a balance to be struck between common sense, comfort, sensible precautions and nannying, and compulsory wearing of PPE in all situations is overkill. It's ridiculous shovelling away in 30 degree plus heat in long sleeves, gloves, goggles and hard hat digging shallow features in the middle of a field far from any vehicles or machinery. You are much more likely to overheat, or at best sweat uncomfortably.
Back on topic, I have found most employers are happy to find diggers a days work in the office on days when they do require a GP visit, allowing a quick trip out of the office and back, worth bearing in mind!