Toolbox talk · Health · about 5 minutes
Hand protection
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
Why it matters
Hand injuries are among the most common on site: cuts, crushing, burns and skin problems. Choosing the right gloves for the task matters.
The hazards
- Cuts from sharp edges, blades and cable armour
- Crushing and trapping
- Dermatitis from cement, solvents and wet work
- Burns from hot work
- Gloves caught in rotating machinery
Stay safe
- Wear gloves suited to the task, such as cut-resistant or chemical-resistant
- Don't wear gloves near rotating parts where they could be caught
- Check gloves for holes and replace them
- Wash and dry hands before eating and at the end of the shift
- Report skin problems such as redness, cracking or itching early
- Keep blades sharp and use the right tool
Ask the team
- What gloves do you need for today's task?
- When should you not wear gloves?
- What are the early signs of dermatitis?
The law and guidance
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992; COSHH 2002 for skin hazards.
General guidance to help you give a toolbox talk. It doesn't replace your site's risk assessments, method statements, permits or training. Check it against your own site rules before you give it.