For years, A2 and A3 cut-resistant gloves were the trusted standard for hand protection. But that standard is shifting. Today’s fast-moving workplaces are defined by advanced materials, quicker processes, and more frequent distractions—all of which make jobsite hazards harder to anticipate.
Image Credit: Protective Industrial Products, Inc.
As risks grow less predictable, the demand for stronger protection is becoming increasingly urgent. Upgrading to ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 A4 to A6 cut-resistant gloves may be a smart move to help ensure worker safety in these ever-changing environments.
Why A2-A3 Gloves Are No Longer Enough
1. Recognizing Long-standing Cut Hazards
Industrial and construction workers have long faced hazards like sharp sheet metal, glass, and wire. While the nature of these risks hasn’t changed significantly, the expectations around protection certainly have.
Despite this, some safety managers still rely on A2–A3 gloves—often out of routine—when higher cut-level gloves could offer a much-needed safety buffer against these persistent threats. Upgrading to stronger protection isn’t just about meeting standards; it’s about keeping pace with evolving expectations and reducing preventable injuries.
2. Force Matters More Than You Think
A common misconception is that cut resistance is only determined by how sharp the blade is. However, the force applied to the glove—whether from pressure, motion, or angle—also plays a significant role in whether a glove holds up to the hazard. Even a relatively dull blade can cut through a lower-level glove if enough force or pressure is applied. This is where A4–A6 gloves make a difference—they are significantly more resistant.
3. Most Industrial Hazards Aren’t Razor Sharp Edges - They’re Jagged Edges
Many visualize cut risks as clean, sharp blades cutting through fabric. However, in industrial and construction settings, the majority of hazards aren’t blades at all—in fact, they have jagged and rough edges.
Even under low magnification, the edges of sheet metal, wire, and many assembly parts resemble serrated teeth rather than smooth blades. These jagged edges don’t slide cleanly over the glove surface—they catch, tear, and shred fibers, rendering lower cut-resistant gloves ineffective.
- Jagged edges lead to more fiber separation and deeper penetration than smooth blades.
- A2-A3 gloves are typically insufficient for use against cut metal, rebar, or wire.
- A4-A6 gloves enable a more robust barrier against these unpredictable risks.
Advancements in Cut-Resistant Glove Technology
1. No More Stiff, Bulky Gloves
In the past, elevated cut levels resulted in thick, stiff, and uncomfortable gloves. Workers preferred not to wear them due to their poor comfort and lack of dexterity. Thankfully, this no longer holds true.
- New coreless fiber technologies remove the need for both stiff steel and fiberglass yarn blends.
- A4-A6 gloves now enable high levels of protection alongside the flexibility of lower-cut-level gloves.
- Workers are more likely to wear them, diminishing injuries and compliance problems.
2. More Protection Without Higher Costs
Some time ago, transitioning from an A2 glove to an A4 or A5 resulted in considerably higher expenditure. Now, however, advancements in material science have enabled more affordability at higher cut levels, meaning companies can enhance protection without going over budget.
- More durable materials enable longer glove lifespan.
- Fewer injuries diminish medical costs and losses in work time.
- More safety equates to more productivity.
Increasing Your Margin of Safety - Why Not?
While A2 and A3 gloves may offer adequate protection for certain tasks, the reality is that industrial environments are often unpredictable. Varying edge types, force levels, and materials make it challenging to account for every potential risk. Choosing A4–A6 gloves adds an extra margin of safety, helping ensure workers are better protected when unexpected hazards occur.
- A4-A6 gloves deliver an extra layer of security against unexpected hazards.
- Higher cut levels diminish the injury risk from sudden force or unexpected sharp objects.
- Even if an A2 glove could "get the job done," an A4 or A6 guarantees superior protection when it matters most.
If an opportunity exists to minimize workplace injuries and enhance protection, why not take it? Elevating safety margins is always a clever decision. Hazards are difficult to predict, and an extra layer of protection ensures that workers are better prepared for unexpected risks when they emerge.
Then, Why Not Just Go To A7-A9?
It’s a valid question—if higher cut levels offer more protection, why stop at A4–A6? Here’s why A7–A9 gloves aren’t always the best fit for industrial and construction environments:
1. Over-Specification vs. Real-World Need
A7-A9 gloves are designed for extreme cut risks, including those in meat processing, heavy-duty glass handling, and heavy-duty assembly.
In the majority of industrial and construction settings, hazards are jagged edges, not ultra-sharp blades. This makes A4-A6 the superior, practical choice.
Over-specifying gloves elevates costs without adding meaningful protection for the majority of workers.
2. Flexibility & Dexterity Trade-Offs
Despite advancements, higher cut-resistant gloves usually demand more dense, stronger fibers, which makes them stiffer.
Workers handling tools, materials, or fast-paced tasks might struggle with dexterity in A7-A9 gloves.
If gloves minimize hand mobility, workers are less likely to wear them consistently, resulting in higher levels of non-compliance and more injuries.
3. Cost vs. Performance Balance
A7-A9 gloves are more expensive, and in settings where A4-A6 already enables enough protection, the extra cost simply doesn’t justify the slight benefit.
Make the Smart Choice for Your Workplace
Safety managers should balance protection with reality. Trends and sales volumes suggest that A4-A6 gloves deliver the best ROI for the majority of workplaces. However, safety managers alone have the unique advantage of having assessed workplace hazards and tasks to figure out the optimal level of cut resistance.
Using the optimal gloves is a proactive step towards creating safer workplaces and healthier workers alike. If minimizing workplace injuries and safeguarding one’s workforce is within reach, why hesitate?
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Protective Industrial Products, Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Protective Industrial Products, Inc.