Whether it’s boning in an abattoir or filleting in a seafood plant, hands are on the front line and at high risk.
Cuts are one of the most common injuries in food processing and manufacturing, and a key contributor to lost time. According to WorkSafe NZ, cuts and burns are frequently reported injuries in the food and beverage services sector.
Gloves are essential protection in food processing settings, but the wrong choice can do more harm than good.
“You need a glove that matches the risk, the task, and the environment,” says Tracy Ngui, Bunzl ANZ Category Manager for PPE. “That’s why standards matter so much when selecting the right glove.”
UNDERSTAND THE STANDARD
Selecting gloves starts with decoding the global standards. The EN388 European standard has been widely adopted in Australia and New Zealand as AS/NZS 2161.3 and rates gloves across:
- Abrasion resistance (1–4)
- Blade-cut resistance (using the original Coup test, 1–5)
- Tear resistance (1–4)
- Puncture resistance (1–4)
- TDM cut resistance (A–F, via ISO 13997)
Level F is the highest cut level – suitable for high-risk tasks like meat deboning and blade handling.
“For heavy-duty tasks, nothing less than Level F should be on your radar,” explains Ngui. “Allcare Cut Resistant Gloves, for instance, are rated 4X4XF – top performance on abrasion and cut hazards and certified to withstand more than 30 newtons of downward pressure or the equivalent of dropping a 3kg weight onto a sharp blade edge directly onto the glove.”
Match the glove to the task
It’s not just about cut level – it’s about finding the right mix of protection, comfort and usability. Consider the following features when selecting gloves:
- MATERIAL
Blended materials such as stainless-steel mesh or high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) balance cut resistance, durability, and comfort. - GRIP AND COATING
Nitrile, polyurethane, or latex coatings enhance grip in oily or wet environments without sacrificing tactile sensitivity. - DEXTERITY
Fine gauge yarns better support detailed tasks requiring dexterity and can help reduce fatigue. - TOUCHSCREEN COMPATIBILITY
Gloves should allow easy device use without removal. - FIT
Ill-fitting gloves can increase risk – prioritise the comfort and range of motion critical for repetitive cutting or trimming tasks. - DURABILITY
Consider products that can withstand multiple commercial washes in high-turnover environments. - COLOUR-CODING
Facilitates easy sizing and wash-cycle tracking for greater efficiency.
FINAL CUT
“The best glove isn’t the most expensive – it’s the one your team actually wants to wear,” says Ngui. “If it fits well, feels right, and doesn’t get in the way, it’s far more likely to stay on – and that’s where real protection starts.”
