When working with wood, what is the safest practice regarding gloves?

When working with wood, the safest practice regarding gloves is to avoid wearing them entirely. This is primarily due to the fact that gloves can pose a significant hazard when operating woodworking machinery such as table saws, jointers, or routers. If a glove gets caught in the machinery, it can pull the hand and arm toward the blade or cutter, leading to severe injuries.

Furthermore, while gloves may provide some protection against splinters or rough surfaces, the risk of entanglement with moving parts far outweighs the benefits in most woodworking situations. Proper safety practices emphasize using appropriate tools, maintaining a safe work environment, and wearing other protective gear, such as safety glasses and dust masks, rather than relying on gloves while operating equipment. This ensures a higher level of safety and minimizes the risk of accidents.