Workplace injuries remain a persistent issue, with severe cuts and long-term knee damage among the most common problems facing workers. Many employees avoid using personal protective equipment (PPE), citing discomfort and reduced performance. Ergodyne, a St. Paul-based safety equipment company, has introduced new gloves, cut sleeves, and knee pads designed to address these concerns and promote wider PPE adoption.
Advanced gloves target cut resistance and flexibility
Aaron Skemp, Ergodyne’s senior product manager, said the new line of gloves was developed in response to worker demands for high levels of cut resistance without sacrificing flexibility. “Workers continue to push for the impossible when it comes to work gloves,” he said. “It’s really challenged us to keep pushing the boundaries in order to deliver.”
The ProFlex 7073 Nitrile-Coated Gloves offer ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Level A7 cut resistance with a flexible 21-gauge knit, while the ProFlex 7251 Fully Coated Gloves are designed for wet or oily conditions, providing Level A5 protection with enhanced grip. All models are touchscreen-capable, including the ProFlex 7061 PU Coated Gloves, which offer Level A6 cut resistance.
Cut sleeves address common fit issues
Cut-resistant sleeves, often overlooked in PPE strategies, are included in the new lineup to provide extended protection. Skemp noted that fit issues are a frequent complaint from workers. “They’ll either ride up and leave the wrist area exposed or start sliding down the arm,” he said.
Ergodyne’s ProFlex 7991 Cut Sleeves feature thumb holes, pre-curved elbows, and adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit, offering ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Level A9 protection. For jobs involving heat exposure, the ProFlex 7951 Sleeves provide Level A5 cut resistance and heat protection up to 100°C for short durations.
Knee pads focus on ergonomics
Knee injuries, which can end careers prematurely, often result from workers opting out of knee protection due to discomfort. Ergodyne’s ProFlex 575 Non-Marring Knee Pads aim to resolve this with a three-layer foam system and ergonomic design. The pre-curved cap conforms to the knee’s natural shape, providing stability and comfort during prolonged use.
Workplace injuries carry high costs
Workplace injuries cost U.S. employers an estimated $171 billion annually, according to the National Safety Council. These costs include lost productivity, medical expenses, and wages. Ergodyne says its latest PPE offerings are designed to meet safety standards while being comfortable enough for workers to wear throughout their shifts.
Since its founding in the 1980s, Ergodyne has focused on creating worker-driven safety solutions, with the goal of reducing jobsite injuries and improving PPE adoption rates.