By replacing standard leather gloves with high-performance HexArmor models, uvex helped a national rail freight operator reduce the risk of serious hand injuries, improve durability, and strengthen its safety culture.
Background
A leading UK rail freight operator experienced a serious safety incident when an employee’s hand was caught in the heavy iron door of a shunter carriage, resulting in the loss of a finger.
At the time, the worker was wearing standard leather driver gloves, which offered no impact or cut protection. Following the incident, the company’s PPE distributor, Bodyguard, contacted uvex to identify a more effective hand protection solution.
Bodyguard had previously received uvex training on the HexArmor glove range, including details of its performance in ASTM impact testing — which exceeds the EN standard — making it a strong candidate for high-risk applications.
The primary objective was to prevent similar incidents while demonstrating a proactive approach to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Identifying the problem
The shunter carriage doors in use were heavy-duty and prone to hinge drop over time, requiring forceful slamming to close. This created a consistent risk of crush injuries.
Key challenges included:
• Lack of back-of-hand impact protection in existing gloves.
• Need for cut resistance, grip, and dexterity.
• Seasonal variation — breathable gloves for summer, more insulated for winter.
• Integration with the company’s existing digital PPE ordering system.
The solution
uvex began with a site audit to observe working practices and identify glove requirements for different tasks. The aim was to standardise to a single protective solution where possible.
Two glove types were initially trialled:
• 60670 Rig Lizard 2021X – TPX palm, similar to existing leather gloves but with added impact protection.
• 60651 Thin Lizzie 7101 – sandy nitrile fully coated, offering superior grip and impact resistance.
Feedback favoured the sandy nitrile gloves for grip and protection, but concerns were raised over breathability in warmer months. uvex responded by introducing the HexArmor Rig Lizard 2090X — a breathable option with the same protection levels.
Alongside PPE changes, engineering controls were implemented, including adding door blocks to slow closing speed. This ensured PPE remained the last line of defence rather than the only measure.
The gloves were approved by the company’s health and safety team and added to its digital PPE wardrobe system, enabling employees to order replacements via an app. On average, each worker uses around 10 pairs per year, with buffer stock held on-site.
Results
• Improved safety: Gloves now provide both impact and cut protection, significantly reducing injury risk.
• Extended lifespan: Gloves last 4–5 weeks compared to 3–5 days for the old leather models.
• Compliance and reassurance: The comprehensive solution, including engineering controls, was praised by the company’s insurance inspector.
• Prepared for future upgrades: The company plans to transition to the next-generation Rig Lizard 2090X with updated back-of-hand design.
Impact
The original incident carried an estimated cost of £120,000. By implementing a durable, protective glove solution alongside engineering controls, the operator has reduced the likelihood of repeat incidents and reinforced its commitment to worker safety.
BOXOUT: Latest innovations for rail workers
Reflecting the continued evolution of hand protection, uvex has launched two new glove solutions that deliver cutting-edge safety performance for rail workers facing a wide range of everyday hazards.
uvex Bamboo F uXT For rail workers who prioritise comfort alongside protection, the uvex Bamboo F uXT offers excellent breathability, moisture management and dexterity. Its bamboo-derived liner helps keep hands cool and comfortable during long shifts, while the durable coating provides reliable grip for handling tools, components and equipment. Ideal for inspection, maintenance and general operational tasks, it encourages all-day wear without compromising performance. It also demonstrates how modern glove technology has overcome the traditional trade-off between comfort and protection, enabling workers to benefit from enhanced safety without sacrificing dexterity or wearer acceptance.
HexArmor 3014IMP Back-of-Hand Impact Protection Designed for higher-risk rail environments, the 3014IMP combines robust impact protection with flexibility and grip. Reinforced back-of-hand protection helps guard against knocks, crush hazards and tool-related impacts, making it well suited to track maintenance, shunting operations and engineering work. Historically, impact-protection gloves were often rejected by users because they were perceived as bulky, restrictive and uncomfortable. Newer designs such as the 3014IMP show how advances in materials and ergonomics have transformed the category, delivering effective impact protection while maintaining the flexibility and dexterity needed for everyday rail tasks.
Rethinking Impact Protection As the rail industry continues to focus on reducing hand injuries, these products highlight how far hand protection has evolved. Modern impact-protection gloves no longer require workers to compromise on comfort, grip or precision, making them a practical option for a much wider range of rail applications. Together, the uvex Bamboo F uXT and Hexarmor 3014IMP provide rail operators with additional choices to match protection levels to specific tasks, helping to improve safety, compliance and workforce acceptance.
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