1910.138(a): When Gloves Are Required
Employers must select appropriate hand protection and require workers to use it when their hands are exposed to hazards. These include harmful substances absorbed through the skin, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns and harmful temperature extremes.
Key takeaways
- 1910.138(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 557 times in the last 3 years, in 557 inspections, with $1,248,693 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (72), MN (40), TX (38).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.138(a) ("General requirements") is one requirement inside 1910.138 Hand protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(a) General requirements. Employers shall select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes. 557 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.138.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.138(a).
On November 6, 2024, while cleaning floors after closing, she was involved in a cleaning procedure that required heating water in large kettles, transferring the hot water into a wheeled trash can, and moving it to the dining area to scrub the floors. While transporting…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 211 |
| 2025 | 192 |
| 2026 | 107 |
Top states: TN (72), MN (40), TX (38), OH (34), MD (32)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE DEVEREUX FOUNDATION, INC. | WINTER PARK, FL | $70,938 |
| GATE GOURMET, INC. | ORLANDO, FL | $63,850 |
| 155799 - BHARAT FORGE ALUMINUM USA, INC. | SANFORD, NC | $25,000 |
| FORCE PRESSURE CONTROL LLC | CATARINA, TX | $16,550 |
| NEW WINCUP HOLDINGS, INC. | MOUNT STERLING, OH | $15,606 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.138(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.138(a).
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What hazards require hand protection?
Skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns and harmful temperature extremes.
Who must make sure gloves are used?
The employer must select the hand protection and require employees to use it.
Is this list complete?
The rule says hazards such as these, so other hand hazards may also call for protection.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.138 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.