Impact Resistant Gloves: A Buyer’s Guide to Back-of-Hand Protection

Cut resistance protects against sharp contact, but it does not solve every hand injury risk. In oil and gas, construction, mining, maintenance, and heavy equipment work, the back of the hand may be exposed to pinches, strikes, and crush hazards.

What impact gloves add

Impact resistant gloves use protective structures, often TPR or similar materials, over the knuckles, fingers, and back of the hand. These structures help absorb and disperse impact energy before it reaches the worker’s hand.

Where impact protection is useful

• Handling pipes, chains, tools, and heavy components.
• Working around equipment where hands may be caught or struck.
• Maintenance jobs with tight clearances and sudden movement.
• Outdoor operations where workers wear gloves for both grip and protection.

Do not ignore the palm

Back-of-hand protection is only part of the glove. Buyers should also evaluate palm grip, abrasion resistance, cut resistance, and cuff design. A glove that protects knuckles but slips on oily parts is not a complete solution.

SCHWER buying note

When reviewing SCHWER impact resistant gloves, ask which hazards are most likely: pinch, dropped object, tool strike, or abrasion. Then match the impact coverage and palm performance to the work, not just the visual appearance of the glove.