OSHA requires employers to assess workplace hazards and provide appropriate hand protection. Understanding these requirements helps ensure compliance while actually protecting workers.
Hazard Assessment
OSHA requires documented hazard assessments identifying hand injury risks. This assessment must be specific — not just "hand hazards exist" but "sharp edges on stamped parts present laceration risk during assembly operations." The assessment drives protection selection.
PPE Selection
Once hazards are identified, employers must select appropriate protection. OSHA doesn't mandate specific products — it requires that selected PPE provide adequate protection for identified hazards. This allows flexibility in protection strategies.
Training Requirements
Workers must be trained on proper use of provided PPE. This includes when protection is required, how to use it properly, limitations of the protection, and maintenance and replacement.
Document hazard assessments, PPE selection rationale, and training. If OSHA asks, you need to demonstrate that you've thought through the process and made reasonable decisions.