Work Gloves

Work gloves are a crucial part of personal protective equipment (PPE) in industries that involve manual tasks, hazardous materials, or challenging environments. Whether you're handling sharp tools, working in wet conditions, or exposed to extreme temperatures, workplace gloves help safeguard against injuries like cuts, abrasions, and chemical burns.

Types of Work Gloves

Work environments vary widely, and so do the types of protective gloves needed. Here’s a breakdown of the most common work gloves and their uses:

Cut-Resistant Gloves

These gloves are designed to reduce the risk of hand injuries when working with sharp objects like glass, sheet metal, or tools. Cut-resistant materials include Kevlar, HPPE, and fibreglass, often reinforced with coatings for added grip and durability.

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves protect hands from burns and heat exposure in welding, metalworking, or food handling applications. Materials like Kevlar or leather with thermal linings help provide both heat resistance and dexterity.

Leather Work Gloves

Durable and flexible, leather gloves offer excellent abrasion resistance and are often used in construction, gardening, and general handling tasks. They're ideal for dry conditions and heavy-duty applications.

Mechanic Gloves

Designed for tasks that require dexterity and tactile sensitivity, these work gloves provide protection from grease, vibrations, and minor abrasions. Waterproof mechanics gloves are also available for wet or oily environments.

Thermal & Insulated Gloves

Thermal work gloves are insulated to keep hands warm in cold conditions, making them suitable for outdoor work or cold storage environments. Some models also provide waterproof protection for use in wet winter weather.

Benefits of Workplace Gloves

• Enhanced Safety: Minimise the risk of cuts, punctures, burns, and exposure to hazardous substances.
• Improved Grip: Coated palms and textured surfaces offer better control when handling slippery or sharp materials.
• Moisture and Cold Protection: Waterproof work gloves and thermal linings help keep hands dry and warm in harsh conditions.
• Durability: High-quality materials like nitrile, Kevlar, and leather offer long-lasting protection in demanding settings.
• Comfort and Fit: Available in a wide range of sizes and ergonomic designs to maintain comfort over long hours of use.

Things to Consider When Buying Work Gloves

When choosing the right safety gloves, consider:

• Type of Hazard: Determine whether the gloves need to protect against cuts, heat, cold, chemicals, or impact.
• Material Compatibility: Choose materials like latex, nitrile, or neoprene based on the substances or tasks involved.
• Dexterity and Fit: Tasks requiring precision benefit from gloves with snug, ergonomic designs.
• Environmental Conditions: For outdoor or wet environments, opt for waterproof work or construction gloves.
• Standards to Look For:
  • EN388: Protection against mechanical risks (abrasion, cut, tear, puncture)
  • EN407: Resistance to thermal hazards (heat and fire)
  • EN374: Protection from chemical hazards

Applications of Work Gloves

• Construction: Protects against abrasions, cuts, and weather exposure during building, demolition, and electrical work.
• Agriculture and Horticulture: Shields hands from thorns, pesticides, and prolonged tool use.
• Manufacturing and Warehousing: Prevents injuries from sharp objects, chemicals, and moving machinery.
• Forestry and Timber Work: Offers rugged protection for chainsaw use, tree felling, and log handling.
• Healthcare and Laboratories: Disposable gloves offer protection from contamination and chemical exposure.
• Food Processing and Handling: Waterproof and food-safe gloves ensure hygiene and cold protection.

Shop Premium Work Gloves with Fast Delivery

Explore RS NZ’s extensive range of work gloves designed for safety, durability, and comfort. Whether you need waterproof construction gloves, high-dexterity mechanic gloves, or general PPE for industrial use, RS has the right fit for your work conditions. Choose from trusted brands like Ansell, Honeywell Safety, and RS PRO to ensure reliable hand protection in any environment.

Ordering online is quick and secure — simply add your selected work gloves to the cart, proceed through our streamlined checkout, and choose your preferred payment method. We offer fast, reliable delivery across New Zealand, with express shipping available to both urban and regional areas. For more details, visit our Delivery Information page.