Few industries exhibit the breadth of workplace hazards found within the food and beverage processing sector. Process workers perform a vast array of tasks, often in harsh environmental conditions, and are required to work with tools and mechanical hazards. So, how can safety managers easily determine which glove to use for each application within this multifaceted industry?

From a statistical standpoint, data relating to injury in food and beverage processing falls under the ‘food, beverage and tobacco manufacturing’ group. Australian studies find that — while most industries present a proportion of injuries that reflect the proportion of workers — this group is over-represented in terms of reported injuries, typically exhibiting a rate of around 25%1 . In the EU, that figure is closer to 18%2 .

Risk of injury through cut or other mechanical hazards, exposure to chemicals, thermal extremes and contact with bacteria, blood, grease and oil is common for food and beverage processing workers, making the utilisation of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) imperative.

In addition, processing typically incorporates the use of machinery and tools which must be regularly maintained to ensure smooth operation, and it is equally important to ensure that maintenance workers are adequately protected.

As many tasks require effective and efficient handling of materials, a suitable hand protection solution should be the first consideration for safety and operations managers looking to provide a defence against preventable injury.