Your guide to using a safety knife correctly

Safety knives (also known as box cutters) are widely used for cutting, packaging, and opening boxes. 

To lower the risk of workplace injuries, your workforce must know how to use them correctly. 

This simple guide covers what you need to know to protect your team when using safety knives at work.

WHY IS KNIFE SAFETY IMPORTANT AT WORK?

Using knives in the workplace comes with risks. Without proper handling, injuries among your team are more likely.

Knife safety rules help protect your team from:

• Cuts 
• Grazes 
• Scrapes 
• Infections 
• Deep lacerations 

Safety guidelines not only protect employees from injury, they’re also a legal requirement.

SAFETY KNIFE REGULATIONS

To help prevent box cutter injuries, you must follow the rules set out in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).

Comply with PUWER regulations by:

• Storing knives safely 
• Maintaining tools correctly 
• Displaying clear instructions 
• Providing safety knife training 
• Using the right knife for the job 

Alongside complying with PUWER regulations, your organisation must also meet HSE PPE in the workplace (PPER) standards. 

Compliant PPE for employees who handle knives includes: 

• Arm guards 
• Protective sleeves
• Cut-resistant gloves 

SIX STEPS FOR USING A SAFETY KNIFE CORRECTLY

Cut down on knife and box cutter injuries by making sure your team follows this essential safety advice:

1. PROTECT YOURSELF

Safety knives are sharp, especially when new. 

Make sure you are using the right blade for the job and stay safe by wearing the correct PPE.

Always put on cut-resistant gloves before using a workplace safety knife. Gloves are available with various cut-resistance specifications, so make sure you’re wearing the right protection from the start.

2. DON’T BE DISTRACTED

Stay focused. Stay safe. 

Accidents are more likely to happen if you’re distracted. When using a safety knife, always give the task your full attention.

3. STORE BLADES SAFELY

A safety knife left out is an accident waiting to happen. 

When you’ve finished the task, retract the blade and replace the cover before storing it in a safe place.

 

4. MINIMUM BLADE EXPOSURE

Only expose as much of the blade as you need.

By keeping blade length to a minimum, you can protect yourself as well as the contents of the box.

5. CUT SAFELY

Always cutting away from your body is one of the most important knife safety rules.

A serious injury is just one slip away when cutting in the wrong direction. Reduce risks by moving the box cutter away from yourself, using firm yet careful movements. 

6. SAFE DISPOSAL

An old and worn box cutting knife is still a hazard. 

Never throw knives into the general waste. When it is time to get rid of a blade, make sure it is placed in a sharps bin. 

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN USING A CUTTER

When using a safety knife, knowing what not to do is just as important as following the rules. 

Here are common mistakes people make when using a box cutter: 

• Not wearing gloves - Exposed hands are more at risk.
• Catching falling blades - Dropped it? Let it fall. Don’t risk your hands.
• Using damaged blades - Cutting safely is hard with a blunt or broken blade.
• Cutting in the wrong direction - Injuries are more likely to happen when cutting towards the body. 
• Using the wrong tool for the job - Box cutters can’t cut through everything. Make sure the tool fits the task.

WHAT TO DO IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS

Even with proper knife safety procedures, accidents can still happen. 

If someone has an accident with a box cutter, it’s your legal responsibility to make sure on-site first aid is available. 

When an employee injures themselves with a box cutter, don’t panic! By keeping a fully stocked first aid kit on-site, you can treat minor injuries quickly.

Your workplace first aid kit should include: 

• Face masks
• Sterile wipes
• Adhesive tape
• Disposable gloves
• Scissors and tweezers 
• Dressings, bandages, and plasters (various sizes)

If someone gets cut:

1. Apply pressure to the wound,
2. Hold the injured hand or arm up to slow the bleeding, 
3. Put on a pair of disposable gloves.
4. Clean the wound with sterile wipes or tap water. 
5. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or with gauze.
6. Cover the wound with a dressing or plaster. 

For deep or heavily bleeding wounds, call 999.

Even the best first aid kit won’t replace professional medical help in an emergency.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SAFETY KNIFE FOR YOUR TEAM

The best box cutter for one job won’t always be the right choice for a different task. 

When choosing box cutters for your team, consider:

• Material type - Some box cutters can easily slice through tough materials, but others can’t cut deep enough to get the job done safely.
• Safety features - The more safety features a knife has, the better protected your workforce will be. To reduce risk, choose knives built with an auto-retracting and enclosed blade.  

Explore the full SMI safety knife range, and protect your workforce from avoidable injuries.

READY TO UPGRADE YOUR TEAM’S SAFETY? 

Get in touch with SMI today. From box cutters to PPE, we make it simple to choose the right tools for the job.

Want it on site tomorrow? 
Place your order by 5PM for next-day delivery.

With 97% stock availability and a dedicated delivery fleet covering key regions, you can rely on us for fast, dependable service.

Need advice? Our friendly team is here to help.
Call us on 0330 441 3500 or drop us a message.