For too long, the approach to hand protection has been reactive, addressing injuries after they occur rather than preventing them. But what if there was a better way? A strategic, hands on approach that not only protects workers but also streamlines costs and ensures global compliance?
In industrial environments, hands are an essential tool, but they are also a primary point of vulnerability. For too long, the approach to hand protection has been reactive, addressing injuries after they occur rather than preventing them. This type of mindset can lead to significant financial burdens, operational downtime, and, most importantly, puts workers at unnecessary risk. But what if there was a better way? A strategic, hands-on approach that not only protects workers but also streamlines costs and ensures global compliance?
Across the globe, the statistics tell a compelling story. In the United States, hand and arm injuries are a leading cause of non-fatal workplace incidents. According to data from the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts report, there were a staggering 270,940 recordable hand injuries in a single year. These aren’t just numbers; they represent millions of dollars in medical and indemnity costs, with a single laceration claim costing over $34,000. The financial fallout is as devastating as the physical and emotional toll on the worker.
The challenge is equally pressing in Europe, where injuries to the hands and wrists account for a concerning 25% of all non-fatal workplace incidents. This pervasive issue highlights a critical need for a more systematic solution to workplace safety and PPE management. Beyond the immediate human cost, a disorganized approach to personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and distribution can lead to inefficiencies, excess inventory, and unnecessary expenditure.
This is the problem that Sentinel by SHOWA® was created to solve. It’s a comprehensive hand protection solution that moves beyond the conventional practice of simply providing safety gloves. Sentinel is a proactive, data-driven framework designed to help businesses reduce hand injuries, optimize costs, and ensure strict adherence to regional safety regulations, including compliance with OSHA in the US and the EU Occupational Safety & Health Framework Directive in Europe.
Sentinel by SHOWA is built on a clear and straightforward two-step process—the Sentinel Survey and Sentinel 4WTP (the latter coming soon in the Americas). This approach transforms how companies handle hand safety and ensures every decision is backed by data and perfectly tailored to your operation.
This structured approach helps companies by:
Improving Safety: You’ll see a better safety culture and fewer incidents. SHOWA will give you expert guidance to reduce risks, which means less disruption from employee absences and a safer, more productive team.
Ensuring Compliance: This program helps you stay on top of all the legal and industry regulations, so you’re always in line with the rules.
Optimizing Costs: By improving your safety performance, SHOWA helps you reduce costs and improve overall output.
The success of Sentinel by SHOWA is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a proven reality with tangible results. One of the most compelling examples of its effectiveness is the partnership with Wabtec Graham-White, a leading manufacturer of pneumatic components in the US. By implementing Sentinel Survey across 12 of its departments, the company was able to achieve a direct cost saving of $18,000 on glove expenditure in a single year. More importantly, this strategic shift resulted in a measurable reduction in the number of hand injuries, proving that a data-driven approach to safety is a powerful driver of both financial and human welfare.
This service has been successfully launched across the EMEA region, bringing this proven methodology to new markets. The launch has been met with significant enthusiasm from safety professionals who recognize the value of a structured program that not only improves worker safety but also simplifies compliance with complex European health and safety legislation. As part of this rollout, a structured 4-Week Trial Program (Sentinel 4WTP) has become a core component of Sentinel by SHOWA, allowing businesses to evaluate recommended products in a real-world setting, with active involvement from both workers and safety teams. This interactive, trial-based approach is also being test-marketed in the US with strategic accounts, underscoring SHOWA’s commitment to continuous improvement and a globally harmonized approach to industrial safety.
As industries evolve, so must their safety standards. Sentinel by SHOWA is not just about protection; it’s about providing forward-thinking solutions that meet the modern demands of industrial hand safety and sustainability. Through its assessments, SHOWA can recommend products that integrate its cutting-edge Eco-Best Technology (EBT). This breakthrough innovation facilitates the decomposition of gloves into natural compounds when disposed of, significantly reducing the environmental impact of PPE waste from centuries to just 1-5 years. This commitment to sustainability allows businesses to improve their environmental footprint without compromising on the durability and performance of their safety equipment.
Workplace injury prevention is no longer just a regulatory requirement, it’s a strategic imperative and Sentinel by SHOWA offers a powerful pathway to a safer, more efficient, and more compliant operation. By partnering with SHOWA, businesses can move beyond the limitations of traditional glove supply and embrace a data-driven, systematic approach to hand protection. This commitment to “‘Precision. Protection. Performance.” not only safeguards your workforce but also protects your business from the significant financial and operational costs of avoidable accidents.
Contact SHOWA today to learn how Sentinel by SHOWA can transform your approach to hand safety and help you build a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. Ready to take the first step toward a safer workplace? Request your Sentinel Survey today and start building a smarter, more protected future.
This article was previously featured on SHOWA's blog.
Learn more: SENTINEL Program: Protection That Pays
SHOWA stands for the highest degree of hand protection and innovation. With 9 production facilities across the globe, 5,500 employees worldwide and over 100 researchers, we innovate globally and locally. We pioneer the quality, performance and protection to give ordinary hands extraordinary abilities.
