Improving hand protection for workers in Alaska's fishing industry
Official title: A systematic approach to enhance extremity protection in Alaska fishing industry
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-10693586 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make gloves safer and more comfortable for fishery workers in Alaska, who often deal with cold and wet conditions that can hurt their hands, so they can work better and stay injury-free.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $731,250 |
| NIH project number | 1U01OH012573-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10693586 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are fishery workers in Alaska who are exposed to cold and wet conditions while handling fishing equipment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who work in warmer climates or in industries unrelated to fishing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the safety and effectiveness of gloves used by fishery workers in Alaska, who face harsh cold and wet conditions that can lead to hand injuries. The project aims to understand how these environmental factors affect blood circulation and skin temperature while using protective gloves. By identifying the shortcomings of current glove designs, which often prioritize mechanical protection over thermal comfort, the research seeks to establish new standards and evaluation methods for glove performance in extreme conditions. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the incidence of hand injuries and improve worker productivity in the fishing industry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of better protective gloves that significantly reduce hand injuries among fishery workers.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting glove performance in extreme fishing conditions, similar approaches in occupational safety have shown promise in improving protective gear effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Guowen — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Song, Guowen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.