• Sharp Objects and Tools - Handling knives, slicers and other cutting tools poses a significant risk for cuts and lacerations, particularly during tasks like meat or poultry processing.
• Slippery Surfaces - The processing environment can be wet and slippery due to water, blood, or other fluids, increasing the risk of slips, trips and falls.
• Heavy Machinery - Operating or working near heavy machinery such as grinders, saws and conveyors presents a risk of entanglement, crush injuries or other mechanical accidents.
• Chemical Exposure - Workers are often exposed to cleaning chemicals, sanitizers or disinfectants, which can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues or long-term health effects if not handled properly.
• Cold Temperatures - Cold environments for storage or processing can result in frostbite or cold stress.
• Biological Hazards - Contamination from pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, can occur during the handling, slaughtering or processing of animal products and produce. Proper hygiene and PPE are essential to minimize contamination.
• Noise Exposure - High noise levels from machines and equipment can lead to hearing loss over time if proper hearing protection is not used.
• Ergonomic Strain - Repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and working in awkward positions can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, including back and joint pain.
• Cross-Contamination - The risk of transferring pathogens or allergens between different food products requires strict adherence to facility safety plans and the use of appropriate protective gear.
• Airborne Particulates - Workers may be exposed to dust or airborne particles, which can cause respiratory issues if adequate ventilation or respiratory protection is not provided.

FDA 21 CFR Part 177: is part of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that pertains to food safety in the United States. Specifically, Part 177 regulates materials that come into direct contact with food, ensuring that they do not compromise food safety or quality.

ANSI/ISEA 105: addresses the classification and testing of hand protection for specific performance properties related to chemical and industrial applications. This standard provides performance ranges related to mechanical protection (cut-resistance, puncture resistance and abrasion resistance), chemical protection (permeation resistance, degradation) and other performance characteristics such as ignition resistance and vibration reductions based on standardized test methods.

EN 374: a European standard that specifies requirements and testing methods for protective gloves against chemicals and microorganisms

• EN 374-1: terminology and performance requirements; defines chemical and microorganism protection
• EN 374-2: focuses on resistance to liquid and air penetration
• EN 16523-1: details the resistance of glove materials to chemical permeation
• EN 374-4: tests material degradation upon chemical exposure
• EN 374-5: evaluates gloves for protection against bacteria, fungi and viruses

ASTM F1760 for Blood Penetration: is a standard that specifies testing methods to evaluate blood penetration resistance of protective clothing and materials, particularly in the context of medical and emergency response industries. The test is designed to assess how well materials, including gloves and protective garments, can prevent the penetration of bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.

OSHA 29 CFR Hearing Protection Standard: is a standard for Occupational Noise Exposure, which sets the regulations and guidelines for hearing protection in the workplace.