Top 6 Mistakes Companies Make When Buying Safety Gloves

Selecting the right safety gloves might seem straightforward, but in reality, many companies unknowingly put their workers at risk by overlooking key factors like EN388 standards, hazard matching, and glove fit. The wrong gloves can lead to injuries, compliance failures, and costly downtime.

As an experienced safety gloves supplier, Plony Industries often helps companies correct these purchasing pitfalls. This article explores the most common mistakes buyers make—and how to avoid them when sourcing anti-cut gloves, welding gloves, and impact gloves for industrial environments.

1. Ignoring EN388 Ratings

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is overlooking EN388 ratings, the European standard for mechanical protection in hand gloves. EN388 evaluates a glove’s resistance to abrasion, cuts, tears, punctures, and impact.

Each glove receives a score (e.g., 4X43F) that indicates its performance level for specific hazards. Yet, many companies purchase gloves based on price or supplier claims rather than verified testing results.

For example, if your team handles sheet metal or sharp components, an anti-cut glove rated EN388 level F offers the highest cut resistance. In contrast, a glove with level B or C may not provide adequate protection, leading to avoidable injuries.

Best practice: Always request the EN388 test report or certification from your safety gloves supplier. Confirm the glove’s suitability for your exact task—because even within the same category, not all gloves perform equally.

2. Choosing Style Over Protection

It’s easy to fall for gloves that look sleek or flexible, especially when workers prefer lightweight designs. But choosing style over protection can backfire.

For instance, workers in welding or metal fabrication often need welding gloves made from heat-resistant leather with reinforced stitching. Swapping them for thinner, more comfortable fabric gloves might improve dexterity—but it compromises safety against sparks, heat, and molten metal.

Similarly, warehouse or construction teams might opt for lightweight impact gloves that look modern but lack proper knuckle padding or palm reinforcement.

Solution: Balance comfort with functionality. The right safety glove should protect against specific hazards without sacrificing performance standards. Conduct on-site trials and gather worker feedback before finalising bulk purchases.

3. Not Matching Gloves to Hazards

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in safety equipment procurement. Every task carries unique risks, abrasion, chemical exposure, impact, or thermal hazards, and gloves must be matched to these specific threats.

Some examples:

• Metalworking: Requires anti-cut gloves for sharp tools and materials.

• Automotive or assembly work: Needs oil-resistant gloves with high grip.

• Welding or foundry operations: Demands welding gloves with heat and flame protection.

• Logistics or heavy equipment handling: Calls for impact gloves that shield fingers and knuckles.

Using the wrong glove for the job not only reduces protection but may also increase worker fatigue or reduce dexterity.

Tip: Conduct a hazard assessment before procurement. Partner with an experienced safety gloves supplier who can recommend the correct materials, such as nitrile, leather, Kevlar, or composite blends, based on the work environment.

4. Buying From the Wrong Supplier

Not all suppliers understand the technicalities of hand protection. Choosing a vendor solely based on cost or convenience can lead to inconsistent quality, inadequate compliance documentation, or limited after-sales support.

An experienced safety gloves supplier like Plony Industries doesn’t just deliver products—they provide consultative guidance. From EN388 compliance to glove material recommendations and product testing, the right partner helps you make informed decisions.

Red flags to watch out for include:

• No certification or performance data provided

• Limited range of specialised gloves (e.g., impact, welding, or anti-cut types)

• Inconsistent stock availability or delivery timelines

Working with a reliable supplier ensures consistency, compliance, and better long-term value—not just short-term savings.

5. Overlooking Comfort and Fit

Even the most protective gloves are ineffective if workers refuse to wear them. Poor fit or uncomfortable materials can cause hand fatigue, blisters, or reduced dexterity, leading to lower productivity and increased non-compliance.

A glove that’s too tight restricts movement, while one that’s too loose increases the risk of snagging on machinery. Both scenarios endanger the user.

Best practice:

• Choose the right glove size for each worker.

• Consider ergonomic designs that enhance flexibility.

• Select materials suited to the working conditions—breathable fabric for humid environments, insulated gloves for cold storage, etc.

Encouraging worker input during the selection process can also improve compliance and morale. When workers feel comfortable, they’re more likely to wear their gloves consistently.

6. Forgetting Worker Training

Even the best gloves won’t provide full protection without proper training. Workers must understand how to use, inspect, and maintain their gloves to maximise safety.

Common training gaps include:

• Using the wrong gloves for different tasks

• Failing to inspect gloves for wear and tear

• Not replacing damaged or contaminated gloves promptly

Regular toolbox talks and refresher sessions can reinforce correct glove use. Suppliers like Plony Industries often offer product training and technical guidance, helping safety teams integrate proper glove usage into their workplace safety programs.

Conclusion: Building a Safer Workplace Through Better Glove Selection

The right safety gloves are more than just PPE; they’re an investment in worker safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. By avoiding these common mistakes, ignoring EN388 standards, prioritising style over protection, mismatching gloves to hazards, choosing unreliable suppliers, or neglecting fit and training, companies can significantly reduce injury risks and boost productivity.

At Plony Industries, we help organisations make smarter safety decisions. From anti cut gloves and impact gloves to welding gloves, our expert team ensures every product meets industry standards and task-specific needs. Protect your workforce and your business—partner with a trusted safety gloves supplier who understands that real protection starts with informed choices.

 Visit Plony Industries to explore compliant, high-performance glove solutions designed for your industry.