Guide to Safely Using Box Cutters and Utility Knives

Written by Staff Writer

Box cutters and utility knives are indispensable — from warehouses and construction sites to mailrooms and garages — but they cause many tool-related workplace injuries. Most incidents come down to avoidable errors: dull blades, poor cutting angles, improper grip or missing PPE.

Whether you manage safety or use these tools daily, following simple handling steps will cut injury rates, reduce downtime and ensure a baseline of safety.

Why Proper Tool Usage Matters

Did you know that box cutters are responsible for nearly one-third of all workplace injuries involving tools? According to safety data, most of these incidents are caused by preventable mistakes such as:

• Using dull or broken blades
• Cutting toward the body
• Leaving blades extended
• Working in a cluttered or distracted environment

In fact, four out of five hand injuries are caused by cuts or lacerations — and many of them are due to improper knife usage.

Five Essential Guidelines Worth Following

Preventing implement injuries isn’t just about selecting the right devices — it also hinges on how those devices are handled and maintained. Here are five tried-and-true pointers you can apply immediately in any workplace:

1. Select the Appropriate Equipment

Invest in protection-oriented multi-purpose slicers featuring:

• Auto-retracting edges
• Concealed cutting surfaces
• Textured, non-slip handles

These enhancements significantly lower the chance of accidental wounds. Cut-resistant gloves add another degree of protection and improve grip. Always keep an emergency treatment kit nearby to address any mishaps promptly.

2. Maintain Sharpness

A worn or damaged edge is a leading cause of implement injuries. Instead of slicing cleanly, a dull edge tugs or slips, increasing loss of control.

Maintenance pointers:

• Always employ sharp, rust-free edges
• Replace cutting surfaces regularly — don’t wait until they’re chipped
• Store extra edges within reach to avoid improvised replacements
• Avoid any edge showing corrosion, as that not only impairs performance but also raises infection risks

3. Slice Deliberately and Away From the Body

One golden rule for implementing safety is never to slice toward oneself. Instead:

• Always angle each movement away from the torso at a controlled pace
• Apply steady, even pressure — avoid forcing the device
• For bulky materials, slice partway, then reposition to complete the task
• Keep the non-working hand clear of the cutting path

Mindful, purposeful motion is essential to prevent unintended slips.

4. Handle Each Device with Care

Proper handling may seem basic, yet it’s crucial for workplace protection:

• Inspect the edge before and after every session
• Retract the cutting surface immediately upon finishing
• Engage any adjustment locks if present
• Pass the device handle-first — never toss it
• Never attempt to catch a dropping implement

And under no circumstances leave a slicer unattended in the open position. These small habits prevent major incidents.

5. Offer Instruction for All Personnel

Even when a device seems “common sense,” instruction can drastically reduce hazards. Incorporate implement-handling modules into:

• New-hire orientation
• Periodic safety refreshers
• Team meetings or toolbox talks

Use real-world scenarios and display clear visuals as reminders. Whether onboarding new staff or reinforcing best practices, these efforts fortify a robust protection culture.

Utility Knives in Everyday Workplaces

Utility knives are used across industries — not just on construction sites or factory floors. You’ll find them in:

• Retail stockrooms
• Office supply rooms
• Delivery departments
• Educational institutions
• Home garages

Benefits of Training with OSHA Education Center

When it comes to promoting workplace safety, the OSHA Education Center offers flexibility, convenience and expert instruction to help employees and employers stay compliant and reduce risk.

• 24/7 Online Access: Learn on your schedule, from any location
• Real-World Case Studies: Understand common safety scenarios
• Engaging Content: Audio narration, quizzes and interactive modules
• Digital Certificates: Receive official documentation upon completion
• Bulk Discounts: Ideal for teams and company-wide training efforts

Programs like our Welding and Cutting certificate course help reinforce safe tool usage and cover general safety principles applicable across many work environments.

Enroll in Safety Training Today

Want to build a safer work environment? Explore the OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Course or our Welding and Cutting Safety Training today and make sure your team has the tools — and the training — they need to stay safe.