Several options are available. Earplugs are an inexpensive way to provide hearing protection but they need to be inserted into the ear canal properly. Banded earplugs, often used by airport workers, are good for going in and out of noisy conditions. Earmuffs provide rental customers more durability and, like banded earplugs, they are easy to take on and off and there's no fussing with fit.

Defense against hand injuries
Traditionally, gloves were hot and didn't offer good dexterity, says Ryan Malone with Youngstown Glove, but that's not the case with today's high performance gloves that offer greater dexterity and breathability so gloves can be worn longer and safer.

To provide defense against cuts and hand injuries, gloves require a good fit, which means they are snug but not too tight between your thumb and index finger.