THE PROBLEM
The hand protection the company had in place was not keeping up. Workers were still picking up lacerations and impact injuries, and the gloves wore out quickly. That cost the company time twice over: time lost to injuries, and time lost every shift to pulling off worn gloves and replacing them.
The constant replacements added cost on top of the lost productivity. The company wanted a glove that could take more abuse and cover both cut and impact hazards, without making it harder for workers to actually handle parts and tools.
CUSTOMER
The customer is a leading provider of specialized equipment and product support, serving the construction, mining, infrastructure, power generation and other essential industries. With more than 60 years of experience, they support customers through an extensive network of locations across Canada and the United States.
APPLICATION
HEAVY EQUIPMENT REPAIR & MAINTENANCE
INDUSTRY
HEAVY EQUIPMENT / INDUSTRIAL SERVICES
CUSTOMER CONSIDERATIONS
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Injury reduction: Will the gloves cut down on lacerations and impact injuries?
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Durability: Will they hold up to the wear of daily build and repair work?
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Dexterity: Do they keep enough feel and grip for close, detailed tasks?
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Total cost of ownership: How do they compare with the current gloves over time?
SOLUTION
Seeking a better solution, the company turned to Mechanix Wear. After reviewing the hazards across its build and repair tasks, where workers contend with sharp metal, pinch points, and grease in close quarters, the Mechanix Wear representative recommended a SpeedKnit™ lineup, matching the level of protection to the demands of each task.
For the highest impact and crush risk, the company selected the SpeedKnit™ M-Pact® S5EP-08. It is an 18-gauge glove built from a blend of HPPE and Tungsten steel, with M-Pact® protection across the back of the hand to absorb impact. It meets ANSI A5 for cut resistance, and its sandy nitrile palm provides excellent grip in oily and greasy conditions.
For tasks where cut protection is the priority, the SpeedKnit™ S2EC-03 meets ANSI A7 for cut resistance while retaining the dexterity needed for close, detailed work. The SpeedKnit™ S2EC-33 is an 18-gauge, machine-knit glove made from a blend of HPPE and Tungsten steel, finished with a water-based urethane coating that maintains grip in dry or wet conditions and meets ANSI A5 for cut resistance with ANSI Level 4 abrasion resistance. The SpeedKnit™ S2EC-06 completes the lineup for general maintenance, meeting ANSI A4 for cut resistance with ANSI Level 4 abrasion resistance.
Each glove in the lineup is touchscreen capable, allowing workers to stay connected without removing their gloves, so they remain both safe and productive throughout the job.
USER FEEDBACK
The customer put the SpeedKnit™ gloves through a trial period and the response was positive. Workers appreciated the added cut and impact protection along with the comfort and fit, and the grip held up in greasy conditions. Because the gloves are touchscreen capable, workers did not have to take them off to use a device, which kept them connected while staying safe and compliant. Switching to a higher quality glove also meant cost savings, since the gloves last longer and need replacing less often. Two years on, the company still builds and repairs on the same SpeedKnit™ lineup.