Cut-resistant, waterproof safety gloves with high dexterity

The contractor's workforce faced a combination of hazards that made glove selection particularly challenging.

Employees were exposed to rain, wind, saltwater and cold temperatures while handling sharp materials, including carbon fibre turbine blades, metal components and equipment with burrs or sharp edges.

The organisation needed a glove that could provide:

• High levels of cut resistance
• Protection against punctures and abrasions
• Water resistance for offshore conditions
• Sufficient dexterity for assembly and installation tasks
• Comfort suitable for extended wear

Previous trials with a range of suppliers had produced mixed results. Some products offered strong cut protection but lacked waterproofing. Others performed well in wet conditions but failed to provide adequate puncture resistance.

As a result, workers were often forced to compromise between protection and usability.

Working closely with site stakeholders, uvex assessed the task requirements and identified a solution capable of addressing the full risk profile.

The recommended glove was the HexArmor PointGuard® Ultra 9032, which combined:

• Advanced cut resistance through SuperFabric® technology
• Enhanced puncture protection
• Three-quarter waterproof coating for wet working conditions
• High durability for demanding applications
• Dexterity suitable for installation and maintenance activities

Rather than relying solely on product specifications, uvex supported the evaluation process through practical demonstrations and hands-on testing.

To build confidence in the proposed solution, uvex conducted live demonstrations using specialist testing equipment to showcase the glove's resistance to cuts and punctures.

Wearers were also provided with sample gloves to trial in real offshore and onshore working environments, allowing direct comparison against products previously evaluated by the business.

This practical approach enabled decision-makers and end users to validate performance under genuine operating conditions.

The project was delivered through a collaborative partnership between uvex, Cromwell and the customer.

Key stages included:

• Joint review of operational requirements
• Product demonstrations and technical consultations
• Structured wearer trials
• uvex Fit Clinic support to ensure correct sizing
• Multiple size options to optimise comfort and dexterity

The uvex fit clinic process proved particularly valuable, helping to maximise wearer acceptance and reduce the likelihood of gloves being removed during tasks.

Following successful trials, the organisation implemented the solution across operational teams.

To support workforce requirements, stock was made available through multiple channels, including local distribution branches, onshore facilities and offshore support vessels, ensuring continuity of supply across project locations.

For the first time, the organisation was able to deploy a single glove solution that successfully combined cut resistance, puncture protection and water resistance without sacrificing dexterity. This removed the need to compromise between competing performance requirements.

Feedback from employees was overwhelmingly positive; workers reported improved comfort, fit and usability compared with previous products, helping drive adoption across the workforce.

By improving fit and dexterity, the organisation reduced the likelihood of workers removing gloves during tasks.

The fit clinic programme further supported consistent use across different teams and working environments.

The selected glove were also praised for demonstrating strong durability in harsh offshore conditions. Despite regular exposure to rain, moisture and demanding manual tasks, the gloves continued to provide reliable grip and protection throughout their working life.

Following the successful rollout, usage expanded significantly, with demand increasing across multiple operational locations. The project established a foundation for long-term collaboration, supporting a renewable energy programme expected to continue for many years.