College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Stacy Kolegraff, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Safety gloves are an essential part of field personnel's personal protective equipment (PPE). Gloves protect against cuts, burns, chemicals, and other hazards. Properly fitting gloves reduce the risk of injury by enabling the suitable use of task-specific protection. The 2026 Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (V.E.S.T) Hackathon was hosted to identify ways in which gloves fit workers differently, and evaluated six different glove types, ranging from woven cut rated to firefighting gloves. To understand experiences faced by workers with their PPE, firefighters were interviewed and discussions were held at the Hackathon. The collaborative event brought industry members and students together to discuss and create real-life solutions to everyday problems faced by ill-fitting gloves worn by workers in field operations. Attendees performed dexterity challenges both with and without gloves to experience ways fit impacts performance. Findings reveal that it is challenging to complete detailed tasks such as knot tying with firefighting gloves, and this challenge is greater when gloves are not sized correctly to a wearer’s hand. This paper explores the process of identifying challenges in glove fit and creating practical solutions in a real-world setting. Findings could improve worker safety – especially in highly hazardous occupations like firefighting.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/951
Poster Board