Hand Protection
Hand injuries are the most common workplace injury type across virtually all industrial sectors — cuts, punctures, abrasions, chemical burns, and thermal injuries to the hands account for a significant fraction of all occupational injury cases treated annually. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 requires employers to provide hand protection appropriate to the hazard when hand exposure remains after engineering and administrative controls have been applied. The right glove for each task is the most important variable in hand protection — a glove that provides excellent cut protection but no chemical resistance creates a false sense of security in chemical handling operations. WC Safety reviews work gloves from Ansell, Mechanix Wear, Superior Glove, and Portwest rated for the specific hazards present in your work environment.
Cut resistance is rated by ANSI/ISEA 105 on a scale from A1 (lowest) through A9 (highest), based on the blade force required to cut through the glove material in standardized testing. Glass handling, sheet metal fabrication, and food processing require A4 to A6 rated gloves at minimum. Blade and sharp tool work may require A6 to A9 ratings. HPPE (high-performance polyethylene) yarns like Dyneema and Spectra provide exceptional cut resistance at minimal thickness, enabling full dexterity in high-cut-risk applications. Cut-resistant gloves do not provide puncture protection — needle-stick risk requires specific puncture-resistant construction separate from cut rating.
Chemical resistance is determined by the glove material, not the glove thickness. Different polymers provide resistance to different chemical families — nitrile resists petroleum products and many industrial chemicals, neoprene handles acids and caustics, butyl rubber provides resistance to ketones and esters, and PVC is effective against mild acids and alkalis. No single glove material provides universal chemical resistance. Always consult a chemical resistance chart specific to the polymer before using any glove with a chemical that has not been specifically tested against that material. Thickness matters for permeation resistance — thicker gloves of the same material take longer for chemicals to permeate to the skin surface.
Heat and thermal protection gloves protect against burn injuries from hot surfaces, molten metals, and steam. AluminizedGloves reflect radiant heat for foundry and smelting applications. Leather welding gloves protect against weld spatter, UV radiation, and moderate heat in MIG and stick welding. Oven mitts and heat-resistant gloves for baking and food service are separate products from industrial thermal gloves — verify that any heat protection glove has been tested to the specific temperature ranges you will encounter rather than using food service equipment in industrial thermal hazard applications.
Impact-resistant gloves protect the backs of hands and knuckles from impact injuries in demolition, drilling, material handling, and oil and gas work. TPR (thermoplastic rubber) knuckle guards and dorsal protection pads absorb and distribute impact energy. Impact protection is rated separately from cut resistance — verify that both ratings meet the task requirements when selecting gloves for applications where both hazard types are present. ANSI/ISEA 138 rates impact protection on a Level 1, 2, or 3 scale based on transmitted force in dorsal impact testing.
Fit and dexterity are practical determinants of whether protective gloves will actually be worn consistently. A glove that reduces hand sensitivity to the point where fine motor tasks become difficult will be removed as soon as supervision looks away. Modern thin-cut gloves made from engineered yarns provide A4+ cut protection while maintaining tactile sensitivity comparable to ungloved operation. For tasks requiring high dexterity such as electronics assembly, instrumentation, and laboratory work, ultra-thin coated knit gloves provide meaningful protection without the dexterity compromise of thicker alternatives.
WC Safety reviews hand protection for every hazard type — cut, puncture, chemical, heat, impact, and combination — in all standard sizes from XS through 3XL. Browse our glove collection filtered by ANSI cut rating, chemical resistance, and thermal protection level to find the right gloves for every task in your facility.
Nitrile gloves buyer’s guides
New to nitrile? Start with our complete nitrile gloves buyer’s guide, then pick the guide for your job:
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Comparisons & reference
🔧 Free tool: Not sure which glove resists your chemical? Try our Glove Chemical Compatibility Selector.
🔧 Free tool: Not sure of your size? Our Work Glove Size Calculator finds the right fit in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right work glove for my hazard?
Start by identifying the primary hazard, then match the relevant rating: ANSI/ISEA 105 for cut (A1-A9), ANSI 138 for impact, ANSI abrasion for wear, plus chemical or thermal needs. A janitor needs different gloves than a sheet-metal worker. This hub spans light A1 abrasion gloves to A7 cut-plus-impact models, so select by the highest exposure your task presents, then confirm fit and dexterity.
What is the difference between cut-resistant, impact, and coated work gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves use engineered yarns rated A1-A9 under ANSI/ISEA 105 to resist blades and edges. Impact gloves add TPR knuckle guards rated under ANSI 138 against blows and pinches. Coated gloves dip the palm in nitrile or PU for grip and abrasion resistance. Many gloves combine these, like the Ergodyne 7070 (A7 cut plus impact), so check each rating rather than assuming one feature covers all.
Are these work gloves OSHA compliant?
OSHA 1910.138 requires employers to select hand protection appropriate to the hazards present rather than certifying a specific brand. Compliance comes from matching the glove's ratings, such as ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level, to a documented hazard assessment. Look for gloves with clearly marked, third-party-tested ratings, then verify they meet the exposures identified in your workplace assessment. The right glove plus proper selection is what satisfies OSHA.
What do the numbers on Ergodyne ProFlex gloves mean?
The model number identifies the series and features, while separate printed ratings define protection. For example, the ProFlex 7022 and 7024 carry an ANSI/ISEA 105 A4 cut rating, the 7021 an A3, and the 7001 nitrile-coated an A1 with abrasion level 5. Read the cut level (A1-A9), abrasion score, and any impact rating on the cuff or spec sheet rather than inferring protection from the model number alone.
Can one pair of gloves cover cut, abrasion, and cold-weather work?
Some multi-hazard gloves do combine features, such as the Ergodyne 7551 waterproof winter glove rated A5 cut, which pairs insulation, water resistance, and cut protection. However, every added feature is a trade-off in dexterity or breathability, so a single glove is rarely ideal for every job. Many operations keep a few specialized pairs and match the glove to each task rather than forcing one design to do everything.
Selection guidance on this page is mapped to these primary sources: Cited for reference only. Standards text is not a substitute for a written program, a hazard assessment, or evaluation by a qualified safety professional.
Ergodyne ProFlex 9012 — Jackhammer Gloves with Full-Length AVC Padding (ANSI S2.73 / ISO 10819)
Ergodyne4.4 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 9012, certified jackhammer gloves with full-length palm damping and wrist supp...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 9003 Vibration Dampening Gloves — Lightweight Fine-Knit, EN ISO 10819
Ergodyne3.3 / 5
4 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.4/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 9003, lightweight vibration dampening gloves in a fine-knit dexterity build. E...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 9002 Anti-Vibration Work Gloves — Full-Finger, ANSI S2.73 / ISO 10819
Ergodyne4.3 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 9002, full-finger anti-vibration work gloves with an integrated wrist wrap. Ed...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 9000 Anti-Vibration Gloves — ANSI S2.73 / ISO 10819 Certified
Ergodyne4.5 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 9000, certified anti-vibration gloves for sustained power-tool work. Editorial...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7551 A5 Cut-Resistant Waterproof Winter Gloves
Ergodyne4.2 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7551, a cut, waterproof, and warm winter glove in one. Editorial assessment by...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7501 Waterproof Winter Work Gloves, ANSI A2 Cut
Ergodyne5.0 / 5
8 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — Ergodyne 7501 ProFlex Coated Waterproof Winter Work Gloves, A2 Read the full Ergodyne ProFlex 7501 W...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7401 Latex-Coated Winter Work Gloves — Insulated Wet-Grip
Ergodyne4.6 / 5
9 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7401, an insulated latex-coated winter work glove. Editorial assessment by Ste...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7070 A7 Nitrile-Coated Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne2.7 / 5
6 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7070, an A7 glove for severe cut hazards. Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7024 PU Coated Cut Resistant Work Gloves
Ergodyne4.7 / 5
10 Reviews
Ergodyne ProFlex 7024 PU Coated Cut Resistant Work Gloves The Ergodyne ProFlex 7024 is a PU (polyurethane) coated cut-resistant work glove rated to...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7022 Hi-Vis Nitrile-Coated A2 Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7022, a hi-vis A2 nitrile-coated cut glove. Editorial assessment by Steven Eat...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7021 Hi-Vis Cut-Resistant Work Gloves — ANSI A2 Nitrile
Ergodyne3.3 / 5
3 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.4/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7021, a hi-vis A2 cut-resistant work glove. Editorial assessment by Steven Eat...
View full detailsErgodyne 7001 ProFlex Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves (ANSI A1, Abrasion 5)
Ergodyne4.4 / 5
5 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — Ergodyne 7001 ProFlex Nitrile Coated Gloves, Abrasion Level 5 Read the full Ergodyne 7001 ProFlex Ni...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7000 Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves — 15-Gauge Foam Nitrile
Ergodyne4.6 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.4/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7000 Nitrile, a general-purpose foam-nitrile work glove. Editorial assessment ...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 925WP Waterproof Insulated Impact Gloves — Level 2
Ergodyne3.6 / 5
7 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 925WP, a waterproof, insulated Level 2 impact glove. Editorial assessment by S...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 925F(x) Impact-Resistant Gloves — ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 2
Ergodyne3.0 / 5
2 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 925F(x), an ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 2 dorsal impact glove with full TPR armor. Edi...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 9015F(x) Vibration Resistant Gloves — TPR Dorsal Impact, Dual Certified
Ergodyne3.3 / 5
8 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 9015F(x), dual-certified vibration resistant gloves with TPR dorsal impact arm...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7521 Thermal Impact-Resistant Cut Work Gloves
Ergodyne1.0 / 5
2 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7521, a cold-weather glove that fights three hazards at once. Editorial assess...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7141 Nitrile Dipped Work Gloves — ANSI A4 Cut
Ergodyne5.0 / 5
4 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7141, an ANSI A4 nitrile-dipped work glove with a breathable dorsal. Editorial...
View full detailsErgodyne 7021 ProFlex Hi-Vis Nitrile Work Gloves, A3 Cut
Ergodyne4.6 / 5
8 Reviews
The Ergodyne ProFlex 7021 Hi-Vis Nitrile Coated Work Gloves provide ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Level A3 cut resistance with high-visibility lime shell and ...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7024 A4 Sandy Nitrile Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne4.7 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7024, an A4 sandy-nitrile glove for sharp-metal work. Editorial assessment by ...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7043 Nitrile Coated Work Gloves — ANSI-Rated Cut Resistance
Ergodyne4.6 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7043, a nitrile-coated work glove with ANSI-rated cut resistance and a durable...
View full detailsErgodyne 7022 ProFlex Hi-Vis A4 Cut-Resistant Nitrile Gloves
Ergodyne5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
The Ergodyne ProFlex 7022 Hi-Vis Nitrile Cut-Resistant Gloves provide ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Level A4 cut resistance with a hi-vis lime shell and nitri...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7001 PU Palm Touchscreen Gloves — ANSI A2 Cut
Ergodyne3.1 / 5
7 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7001 PU Palm, an A2 cut touchscreen glove. Editorial assessment by Steven Eato...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7000 A2 Cut-Resistant Microfiber Palm Gloves
Ergodyne4.6 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7000, an A2 cut glove with a residue-neutral microfiber palm. Editorial assess...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 922CR Cut-Resistant Thermal Work Gloves
Ergodyne4.0 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 922CR, a cut-and-warmth glove for cold work. Editorial assessment by Steven Ea...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7251 Fully Coated Nitrile Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne4.5 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7251, a fully coated nitrile glove for wet, all-angle handling. Editorial asse...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7073 A7 Cut-Resistant Work Gloves — Neutral Gray
Ergodyne4.6 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7073, a neutral-gray A7 glove for severe cut work. Editorial assessment by Ste...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7072 A7 Nitrile-Coated Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne3.5 / 5
2 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7072, a lightweight A7 glove for full-shift wear. Editorial assessment by Stev...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7061 Cut Resistant Work Gloves — ANSI A6
Ergodyne4.2 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7061, a lightweight ANSI A6 cut-resistant work glove for heavy-edge tasks. Edi...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7044 A4 PU-Coated Cut-Resistant Gloves — 13-Gauge
ErgodyneEDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7044, an A4 PU glove that bridges the range. Editorial assessment by Steven Ea...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7042 A5 PU-Coated Cut-Resistant Gloves — 13-Gauge
Ergodyne4.8 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7042, an A5 PU glove that keeps the feel. Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7041 A4 Foam Nitrile Hi-Vis Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne4.7 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7041, an A4 foam-nitrile hi-vis cut glove. Editorial assessment by Steven Eato...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7040 A5 Food-Grade Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne4.3 / 5
9 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7040, an A5 food-grade glove for the cut room. Editorial assessment by Steven ...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7031 A3 Foam Nitrile Cut-Resistant Gloves
Ergodyne4.6 / 5
9 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7031, an A3 foam-nitrile grip-and-cushion glove. Editorial assessment by Steve...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7030 A3 PU-Coated Cut-Resistant Gloves — 13-Gauge
Ergodyne4.3 / 5
10 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7030, an A3 PU glove that keeps the feel. Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton...
View full detailsErgodyne ProFlex 7025 A2 PU-Coated Cut-Resistant Gloves — 13-Gauge
Ergodyne4.5 / 5
6 Reviews
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 — WC Safety Review of the Ergodyne ProFlex 7025, a thin-PU A2 glove for precision hands. Editorial assessment by Steven E...
View full details