Xjyuk

The place I worked got shut down for safety. A friend of mine was killed, and I was hurt pretty bad another time, and it left me with very obvious scarring where my skin is much lighter around the scar.

Because it's on my arm and hand, I can't hide it easily.

Should I wear gloves or something? If not, how can I explain it when I'm on an interview?

You don't need to cover or explain your scars if you don't want to.

Employers don't have any need to know where your scars came from, regardless of whether you got them on the job or not. That is completely personal to you and whether you want to share that information. Even if you get the job, you don't ever need to share that information if you don't want to, as it has nothing to do with how you can perform your job.

I'm not even sure if it's legal for them to ask about your scars, as it might run afoul of discrimination and disability laws, though I would say it's an edge case and IANAL. The only thing you might want to disclose is if you have any injuries or disabilities that would limit the work you can do, but I would be wary of disclosing any of that information too early in the process (Related question on when to disclose disabilities)

Unless you are interviewing for a position where a specific physical appearance is necessary there is no need to hide or explain anything about any scars on your body. Furthermore, no interviewer should be asking questions about scars...especially if it has nothing to do with the position you are applying to.

Should I ware gloves or something? If not, how can I explain it when I'm on an interview?

You could wear gloves... but I think that will make it more evident, and interviewers could wonder why you have gloves during an interview.

Let's assume you don't wear gloves. In that case, there is a chance interviewers won't even ask and mind their own business. Having a scar on your hand shouldn't be reason for you to be disqualified for a job (I guess there are exceptions, though).

If you are asked during an interview what happened to your hand (again, unlikely) you could answer something like "I had an accident some time ago". No need to give details, and interviewers most likely won't ask for them.

First off, I am sorry about your experience which you described. I am big believer in that everyone should be able to go home alive, with all their digits, and a "fist-full of money" at the end of each shift. My condolences to your friend.

As someone who has large visible scars on my right hand and left arm, I wouldn't cover it. The only things I take care to cover are my tattoos, as in my industry they are still seen as taboo. But scars, no one will comment on nor particularly care assuming they don't interfere with your work. Leave the open, or covered based on the style of dress required per the dress code and chances are no one will bring the up. If they do, simply dodge the question politely by saying something to the tune of, "I had an accident."

I have never been asked about my scars, my limp (from the same accident) yes - but never the scars.

Good luck!

it left me with very obvious scarring where my skin is much lighter around the scar.

Does the scar in any way affect or give the impression of affecting your ability to perform day to day duties? Either ways, I think you shouldn't intentionally hide it by wearing gloves. Wearing gloves in interview would anyways be a giveaway.

Also, your workplace colleagues will get to know about it one day or the other. You can wear concealing dress such as a full-sleeve shirt during the interviews, if you are feeling uncomfortable.

If your performance in day to day duties isn't affected by the scar, it shouldn't be an issue in my opinion. When asked about it, you should give an honest explanation. Accidents happen unfortunately, and that shouldn't deter one from seeking employment.

If the scar affects your ability to secure jobs or your desired roles, you can look into alternate roles which can use your existing skillsets.

Personally, I'd consider covering it, given the history behind the scar. It'd be trivial for them to look at the scar, hear the story behind it, then instantly decide that it's evidence that you lack the safety consciousness that a professional should have, and instantly decide not to hire you to protect the company from any liability that might arise from you.

As a result, if you do not cover it, I would definitely recommend that you do not mention how you got the scar. After all, "they're not a good fit for our culture" covers a wide variety of things, and it's a perfectly legal excuse for them to use, even if discrimination due to disability is illegal.

I would just make sure that any gloves that get worn match the suit that you're wearing to the interview, so that they don't look too out of place - wearing gloves with a suit would be odd, but it might be possible to make it work for you.