Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

The Glove Paradox: Why Wearing Safety Gloves Could Get You Seriously Injured

25 Aug 2026 · 2 min

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2:28

In this safety briefing for oil and gas workers, the presenter explains how seemingly protective attire can become a hazard around rotating machinery. He first outlines general clothing and jewelry risks—hoodie strings, loose sleeves, long hair, and rings can be caught by moving parts, leading to severe injuries such as degloving. He then focuses on the paradox of impact gloves: while they protect against cuts and bruises, they can be pulled into high‑speed shafts, drill bits, lathes, and threading machines, dragging the worker’s hand into the danger zone. The speaker stresses the need to follow specific company policies and equipment‑manufacturer instructions, noting that precision work near rotating shafts often requires removing gloves, whereas operating controls away from the hazard may mandate glove use. The core message is to stop and ask a supervisor or safety manager whenever there is doubt, ensuring no loose items are left for the machine to grab.

Chapters

Okay, so we've talked about the machine. Now let's talk a bit more about you. Specifically, what you're wearing. Rotating machinery loves to eat loose ends. It loves hoodie strings, baggy sleeves, unbuttoned cuffs, long hair. You get the idea. If you're working near drawworks or a rotating pump shaft, you need to be streamlined. Tuck in that shirt, button your cuffs, tie back long hair, and tuck it securely under your hard hat. And jewelry? Leave the wedding ring in the locker or the truck. We've all seen the pictures of degloving injuries. Where a ring gets caught and strips the skin right off the finger. You don't want to see that in real life. Trust me, you really don't. Now, let's talk about the tricky one— gloves. In oil and gas, we wear impact gloves for almost everything. They save our knuckles from bruises and cuts. But around exposed rotating parts, gloves, well, they can actually be a hazard. OSHA and industry guidance highlight that gloves can be pulled into rotating drill bits, lathes, and threading machines. If the fabric catches on a burr or a bit, the glove pulls your fingers right along with it. So, here's the deal. You need to know your company's specific policy and that equipment manufacturer's instructions. If you're doing precision work close to a high-speed rotating shaft, Like using a drill press in the shop or polishing a lathe, your company's hazard assessment might require you to take your gloves off, right? However, if you're just operating controls away from the danger zone, gloves, they might be mandatory. So, if you have any doubt about whether to glove up or glove down, stop and ask your supervisor or your safety manager. Don't guess. Don't give the machine anything to grab onto.