Why Safety Knife Training is Critical For Workplace Safety

While safety knives are among the most useful workplace tools, they can also pose significant risks when used incorrectly. Safety knives and box cutters have become the backbone of workplaces all over the world; they help workers open packages, cut though strapping material, and slice through tape, shrink wrap and cutting bags. Because of this, safety cutters are indispensable in industries such as shipping, retail, and the food industry. But while companies are doing the right thing by providing their employees with safety knives, they risk their employees’ safety if they fail to ensure that everyone is properly trained in the handling of these essential tools. Improper (or complete lack of) safety knife training can lead to workplace accidents, shorten the lifespan of the safety knives, and both these things can cost your company money. 

To ensure that your employees understand both the dangers of safety knives as well as the recommended handling of them, proactive workplace measures should be implemented. Such measures should include proper training and education, showing employees how to select the right safety knife for the task, conducting regular inspections and maintenance, setting clear policies and procedures, and encouraging open communication among staff. Implementing this training is vital for preventing injuries and reducing costs. 

The Work Health and Safety Regulation mandates that all employers and self-employed individuals safeguard themselves and their workers from potential hazard exposure. There are many hazards that your employees should be cognizant of when handling knives in (or out of) the workplace. Injuries are commonly caused when:

• The blade of the knife is too dull.
• The knife has not been sheathed in a protective pouch after use.
• The employee is not wearing satisfactory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• The employee is cutting towards their body.
• The employee attempts to catch a falling knife.
• The employee performs repetitive cutting tasks with the knife without taking a break. 

The purpose of using safety knives is to help employees avoid injuries on the job. However, it's essential they receive adequate training on how and when to use these knives effectively. One of the primary reasons knife-related injuries are so common in workplaces is because of the lack of proper training. 

Employees are often unfamiliar with the correct way to use cutting tools or the necessary safety precautions they should follow. In fact, Safe Work Australia cites that “cuts and lacerations" rank among the top causes of workplace injuries in Australia. Workers must be aware of which knife is most suitable for the material they are cutting to ensure safety. 

There are various types of safety knives, each designed for specific tasks. For example, a knife with a fully retractable blade is the safest option for slabbing, while a concealed blade knife is the best choice for cutting shipping materials. Implementing a safety knife training program not only reduces workplace injuries, but also saves your company money. 

Training employees in the correct use of safety knives is crucial for effectively minimising injury risks. Employers should offer comprehensive instruction on safe handling, proper maintenance, and correct storage of these tools.

• Understanding the Problem & the Solution: Training employees helps them recognize common hazards associated with safety knives and equips them with the knowledge to prevent accidents, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuries in the workplace.
• Boosting Efficiency & Productivity: Proper use and maintenance of safety knives ensure that tasks are completed more efficiently and with fewer interruptions caused by accidents, leading to increased overall productivity.
• Encouraging Safe Work Practices: Implementing safety knife training fosters a culture of safety, where employees are aware of best practices and are encouraged to follow safe work habits, which enhances overall workplace safety.

Training sessions need only take up around 10-15 minutes of everyone’s time and can be done individually or in groups. Incorporating the following topics into a brief, focused training session can make a significant impact on workplace safety, ensuring that employees are well-informed and equipped to handle knives responsibly: 

• Identifying Unsafe Knives: It’s critical for workers to recognize when a knife is unsafe. This includes spotting dull blades, damaged handles, or broken locking mechanisms. Knives with missing or faulty safety guards also pose risks. Teaching employees how to inspect tools before use ensures that they can replace or repair unsafe knives before accidents happen.
• The Different Kinds of Safety Knives: Safety knives come in various types, each designed for specific tasks. For example, some knives feature retractable blades for general cutting, while others have concealed blades for safer use in packaging and shipping environments. Understanding the different types helps employees select the correct knife for the job, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

• First Aid Procedures: First aid procedures for knife-related injuries involve immediate actions such as cleaning the wound, applying pressure to stop any bleeding, and seeking professional medical attention if necessary. Training should cover the proper steps to manage cuts and lacerations, including when and how to use first aid supplies, and how to recognize the need for professional medical care. This knowledge ensures quick and effective responses to mitigate the severity of workplace injuries.
• Practising Safe Knife Techniques: Workers should be trained on proper knife handling techniques to prevent injuries. This includes maintaining a proper grip, cutting away from the body, using appropriate force, and avoiding distractions while using the knife. Emphasising correct posture and positioning during cutting tasks is also important to minimise strain and accidents.
• Safely Changing Blades: Blade changes can be dangerous if not done properly. Training should focus on how to change blades using protective gloves and ensuring the knife is secured in a stable position. Emphasise the importance of using tools designed for easy and safe blade changes, such as knives with built-in blade storage or automatic retraction mechanisms.
• Proper Blade Disposal: Used blades must be disposed of safely to avoid accidents. Employees should be taught to place old blades in designated sharps containers or blade disposal units. It’s important to communicate that tossing blades in communal bins can create a hazard for others and can lead to serious injury.
• Knife Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular maintenance extends the life of knives and ensures they remain safe to use. Training should include how to properly clean knives to prevent rust and debris buildup, and how to inspect and maintain blades and handles. Well-maintained knives are less likely to malfunction, keeping both the tools and the workers safe.

One of the most crucial safety principles to instil in employees is the importance of a safe work environment. This involves more than just the physical setup; employees should be aware of how to maintain a well-lit, organised workstation free from distractions and equipped with proper PPE, such as cut-resistant gloves and safety eyewear. However, safety extends beyond the physical workspace to include the mental and physical well-being of employees. They should also take steps to avoid overexertion, fatigue, and hasty work habits.

The best way to ensure a consistently safe work environment is through a comprehensive training program covering all aspects of knife safety. At MARTOR Australia, we have been dedicated to knife safety for nearly 40 years, providing training programs to businesses of all sizes. Explore our range of safety knives to enhance your workplace safety. So as to better support our valued clients, MARTOR Australia has introduced a new Toolbox Talk specifically addressing knife safety in the workplace. This Toolbox Talk includes guidance on identifying unsafe knives, understanding safe knife features, practising safe cutting techniques, disposing of blades properly, and storing knives safely. The package also provides meeting notes for facilitators and a Knife Audit Form to help kickstart your knife safety initiatives.

You can implement a successful safety training program by focussing on the following factors: 

• Create Training Materials: Develop thorough training resources, such as technical data sheets, safety posters, and instructional videos. MARTOR Australia provides a variety of free materials to assist companies in delivering effective safety knife training. You can also check out MARTOR’s Toolbox Talk here.
• Host Workplace Training Sessions: Training should be brief and engaging, ideally lasting 10-15 minutes. Schedule sessions at the beginning of shifts to reduce disruptions. Include practical demonstrations and allocate time for questions.
• Conduct Ongoing Training and Assessments: Regular refresher courses and evaluations help employees retain their skills and stay current with safety procedures. Gather feedback to continuously enhance the training program.
• Use MARTOR Safety Knives: MARTOR engineers high quality safety knives that are as safe as they are strong. MARTOR has been designing and manufacturing top-quality safety knives, blades and safety cutters for over 75 years, with a simple but important mission to reduce accidents in as many workplaces as we can. You can browse MARTOR’s wide range of products and services here. If you require any assistance, don’t be afraid to contact us directly.