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Gloves for Farm Work

Hands do nearly everything on a farm, and no single glove suits every task. The right glove gives grip and protection. The wrong one can be a hazard.

Why not use one glove for everything?

Hazards differ: abrasion from fencing, cuts from metal, chemicals from sprays, heat from welding, cold from winter chores, germs from animal care. A glove that protects against one may do nothing for another.

It may even make things worse. A cloth glove soaks up chemicals and holds them against the skin, and loose gloves can catch in moving parts.

Many hand injuries come from the simple tasks that feel too ordinary for protection, like moving boards, hauling wire or opening feed bags. Gloves by the door make it easy.

• Abrasion from fencing
• Cuts from metal
• Chemicals from sprays
• Cold and heat
• Germs from animal care

What types are common?

General work gloves of leather or fabric, coated gloves for grip, chemical-resistant gloves, insulated cold-weather gloves, welding gloves, disposable gloves for animal care and cut-resistant styles, covered in a separate article.

Each has strengths and limits. Check the maker's information to learn what each one is made to handle.

Keep disposable gloves for animal care, treatments and cleanup, and dispose of them as directed. Wash your hands afterward, since gloves can tear without notice. Many farms end up with three or four styles on a shelf, each marked for its job.

• Leather and fabric work gloves
• Coated gloves for grip
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Insulated winter gloves
• Disposable gloves for animal care

How do I choose?

Start with the task and the hazard. For chemicals, the label and safety data sheet state what glove material is required, and you should follow them. For other tasks, use the maker's information and ask extension or OSHA if you are unsure.

This site does not give ratings or glove materials, since they depend on the specific product and on current official guidance.

Do not assume a glove is chemical-resistant because it is thick or rubbery. Look at the label and the safety data sheet for the material required, and ask your supplier to confirm it matches.

• Name the task
• Name the hazard
• Check the label or manual
• Try before buying

When are gloves a hazard?

Around rotating parts, such as drills, shafts, belts and power take-off equipment, loose gloves can catch and pull hands in. Follow the equipment manual. Rely on guards, shutting machinery off and locking it out, rather than on gloves.

Never reach into running machinery. If something is stuck, stop the machine and follow lockout guidance from the maker, OSHA or your extension program.

If you must clear a jam, stop the machine, turn it off and wait for all parts to stop, then follow the maker's lockout instructions. Never rely on a glove to keep you safe near moving parts.

• Loose gloves catch on moving parts
• Shut off and lock out machinery
• Never reach into running equipment

How do I get the fit right?

Gloves should fit snugly without binding. Too large and they slip and catch. Too small and they tear, tire your hands and restrict circulation. Sizes vary between makers, so try on several.

Try them on with the tools you use, and check that you can feel what you are doing.

Cold-weather gloves should leave enough dexterity for tasks, and your hands should be warm and dry. Hands that are numb and clumsy are more at risk.

• Snug without binding
• Room to move fingers
• Feel for the tool
• Several brands tried

How do I care for gloves and hands?

Wash reusable gloves as the maker directs, and replace those with holes, cracks, stiffness or chemical residue. Do not wear damaged gloves. Wash and dry your hands after removing them, and care for your skin.

If you notice rashes, swelling or numbness, talk with a doctor.

Replace gloves that have absorbed oil, fuel or chemicals, since some materials stay contaminated even after washing.

• Wash as the maker directs
• Replace holes and cracks
• Dry your hands afterward

Where can I learn more?

OSHA, NIOSH and extension programs publish guidance on hand protection, and chemical labels give required protection for each product.

If you employ workers, ask OSHA what applies, and keep a variety of gloves on hand.

• Chemical labels name required protection
• OSHA covers hand protection
• Extension offers task advice
• Keep several glove types on hand

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.