Hand Protection

Under 29 CFR 1910.138, your employer is legally obligated to identify potential hand hazards in your work area and provide the correct protective equipment to keep you safe. This rule applies whenever your hands are exposed to dangerous conditions that could cause permanent damage or severe injury.

The regulation is split into two main parts. Subsection 1910.138(a) mandates that employers must require the use of hand protection when you are exposed to hazards such as skin absorption of harmful substances, severe lacerations, punctures, chemical burns, or extreme temperatures. Subsection 1910.138(b) requires that the selection of these gloves be based on a formal evaluation of the specific tasks you perform, the conditions of your work environment, and the duration of your exposure to those hazards.

This standard applies to almost all general industry workplaces where workers handle hazardous materials or operate machinery that poses a risk to the hands. It is particularly critical in manufacturing, chemical processing, laboratory work, and construction environments where workers frequently handle sharp tools, caustic chemicals, or materials with extreme temperatures. Employers in these sectors must ensure that the gloves provided are specifically rated for the hazards present in their unique facility.

OSHA frequently cites employers for failing to conduct the hazard assessment required by 1910.138(b) before selecting gloves. Inspectors often find that companies provide generic, low-cost gloves that do not offer adequate protection against the specific chemicals or sharp edges present in the facility, leading to preventable injuries.

In the workplace, this violation often looks like a manager providing thin latex gloves for handling harsh industrial solvents that require specialized chemical-resistant material. It also includes scenarios where workers are left to source their own protection or are told to continue working with damaged, torn, or worn-out gloves because the employer failed to maintain an adequate supply of proper safety gear.

Violations of 1910.138 are typically classified as serious, meaning there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from the condition. Fines for these violations can reach thousands of dollars per instance, and repeat violations often result in significantly higher penalties. OSHA inspections are frequently triggered by worker complaints regarding unsafe conditions or following a report of a severe injury, such as a chemical burn or an amputation.

You have the right to a workplace that provides the necessary safety equipment to protect your hands from recognized hazards. If your employer fails to provide appropriate gloves or ignores your requests for safety equipment, you have the right to file a confidential complaint with OSHA. You are also protected by federal whistleblower laws, which prevent your employer from retaliating against you for reporting safety violations or participating in an OSHA inspection.

If you have been injured because your employer failed to provide the correct hand protection, you should document the specific hazards you were exposed to and the type of gloves you were using at the time of the incident. Preserve any evidence, including the damaged gloves or the safety data sheets for the chemicals involved, and report the injury to your supervisor immediately. Consulting with an attorney who understands workplace injury law can help you determine your options for seeking compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.

This regulation is designed to prevent life-altering hand and finger injuries that occur when protective measures are absent or inadequate. It specifically targets the prevention of chemical burns, deep lacerations, punctures, and thermal injuries that often lead to permanent nerve damage, loss of dexterity, or traumatic amputations. Understanding these risks is essential for workers who handle machinery or hazardous substances on a daily basis.