Knife and Blade Safety

Why it matters

Utility knife lacerations are among the most common jobsite injuries - and among the most preventable.

Key points

• Cut away from your body; keep the free hand out of the cut line.
• Use self-retracting or auto-retract knives where possible.
• A dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one - change blades often.
• Never leave open blades in pouches, pockets, or on surfaces.
• Right tool: snips for strapping, not a flick of the knife toward your wrist.

Discussion

Show your knife: does the retract work? When did you last change the blade?