Box cutters are a common tool used in many workplaces, and across different industries. Simple to use, they’re often used for things like packing and unpacking items or cutting through thicker materials like cardboard.
While box cutters are an easy-to-use workplace accessory found in anything from an office to warehousing environments, we shouldn’t ignore that if used incorrectly they can become quite dangerous and have the potential to cause serious harm. With over 44,000 work-related injuries involving lacerations to the hands reported in 2018 alone, knife and box cutter safety is something that should be taken seriously.
Complacency can often be the biggest threat in an environment where fairly minor hazards reside. This is why it’s important to make sure that we’re following the right precautions when using potentially dangerous tools like box cutters in the workplace, so that we can protect ourselves from potential injury.
We’ve outlined some simple things that you can do to make sure that you’re always using box cutters safely, and so you can protect yourself and those around you, from potential injury. We've also covered some health and safety supplies that can help to maintain a safer work environment.
Make sure the blade is sharp
This may seem like a bit of an odd tip to include seeing as we want to protect ourselves from potential injury, however, if you are using a box cutter and the blade is old and not sharp, it will not work as well (when compared with a new box cutter or a box cutter that has a new blade).
Using an old box cutter or a box cutter with a blunt blade can cause all sorts of problems, the main one being that the blade will not cut as smoothly, and could then ‘catch’ on what you are cutting. If the blade catches you increase the chance of the blade shifting or slipping while you’re using it, which could then result in your hand being cut.
You can avoid the chance of this happening by replacing your box cutters when they get old or simply replacing the blades when you feel that they are starting to go blunt.
Keep the blade short
The majority of box cutters on the market are retractable allowing you to only use the amount of blade that you require. The shorter the blade, the safer the knife is to use. If you’re operating a box cutter where the blade is too long this can increase the chance of it snapping and potentially injuring yourself, or someone around you. Avoid this by only using the amount of blade that you need for the job at hand. Box cutters like the Sterling range limit the length of the blade to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Cut on an angle
When you’re using a box cutter make sure it’s angled away from your body at all times. If you were to use a box cutter angled towards you and you were to slip while using this, this could increase the chance of injury as the blade is directed towards you. Using a box cutter on an angle means that if for whatever reason you do slip, the blade is facing away from you.
Wear cut-resistant gloves
In areas where box cutter use is frequent, or the risk of accidents is high due to temperature, slip or other factors then cut-resistant gloves will provide extra protection for your hands, in the chance that there is an accident. Cut-resistant gloves are stronger and more durable than an average pair of gloves and are designed to withstand any cuts and nicks that may result from using a tool like a box cutter. At the very least they will also provide you with better grip when using a box cutter, so that it’s less likely to slip out of your hands.
Retract the blade when you’re not using the box cutter
This one goes without saying – once you’ve finished using a box cutter you must always ensure that the blade is retracted. Most retractable box cutters should come with a safety feature like a lock at the side which will ensure that the blade stays retracted when not in use. This type of safety feature is especially important if multiple people will be handling the box cutter and means that it won’t get picked up on accident with the blade exposed. An auto-retracting box cutter further limits the risk of injury by immediately withdrawing the blade when no longer in use.
Use a safety blade
There are many different box cutters on the market and some have been specifically designed so that they’re easier to use and safer for you, like the Slice box cutter. This box cutter features a ceramic blade which reduces injuries. The ergonomic hook-shaped handle also helps to protect hands during use and limits the amount of exposed blade, resulting in a box cutter that is not only safer, but will also give you a more comfortable cutting experience.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Slice box cutter and the benefits it brings.
These are just a few tips to help ensure that you’re using box cutters as safely as possible in the workplace. Above all else, being sensible while using box cutters will help to ensure that they’re being used as safely as possible, and that no harmful injuries are caused.
