1 Small Purchase that Can Prevent Injuries in the Kitchen

The foodservice industry alone spends about $300 million per year on medical treatment, time off, and worker's compensation from hand injuries.¹ One way to prevent these injuries in your restaurant is by investing in cut-resistant gloves. Victorinox has been making knives since 1884, so it makes sense that they would be experts when it comes to handling knives and protecting hands from sharp blades. Victorinox's line of cut-resistant gloves can help keep your fingers safe when working with knives in the kitchen.

Construction

Victorinox produces two types of cut-resistant gloves. The mesh gloves are made of steel threads encapsulated in polyester yarn. Some of the mesh gloves also use Spectra® fiber in the weave. This fiber is stronger than steel and more durable than polyester while still being light and comfortable to wear. These are available in white gloves with colored bands around the wrist, or in brightly colored orange, green, yellow, and pink. The colors can be helpful in keeping the gloves organized, whether by who they belong to, or which foods they can be used with to prevent cross-contamination. These gloves are anti-microbial to help prevent the spread of bacteria. They're also washable and bleach-safe.

The second type of glove available is an all-steel mesh glove. This type is similar to the chain mail worn by knights of old, with small round steel wire pieces intersecting to form a barrier. These Victorinox gloves are made with 7- or 10-gauge wire. Ten-gauge is a smaller wire, resulting in a tighter mesh that make it more difficult for knife tips to penetrate. These are also available with colored wristbands, making it easy to keep the gloves separated by owner or food type.

To decide which type of glove will work best in your kitchen, consider how the gloves will be used. The all-steel gloves last longer and can provide more protection, but can be cumbersome when handling smaller knives or making delicate cuts. The polyester and steel mesh gloves provide protection while still allowing the user to maneuver the knife easily. The mesh gloves are also more affordable, making it feasible to order several sizes so you can have some on hand for the entire kitchen staff.

Sizing

Properly sizing your cut-resistant gloves can help ensure that they will work as intended. The steel's ability to roll is part of what deflects the knife's edge. If the glove is stretched too tightly across your hand, the steel will be unable to roll and you will be more likely to sustain an injury.² Victorinox gloves are available in sizes extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large to accommodate hands of all sizes.

Please note that cut-resistant gloves are not cut- or puncture-proof, and caution should still be used when working with knives. These gloves are not meant to be used with motorized, wavy, or serrated blades.

1. Mesh Gloves 101 Niroflex. Accessed September 2015.

2. Cut Resistance: What's in a Level 5 Glove? EHS Today. Accessed September 2015.