Safety is vital on the plant floor, even with smaller tools like industrial hand knives. Heavy equipment may get more attention, but the improper use of knives can cause serious nerve and tendon injuries. Even when mistakes aren't dramatic, they can still cost your company time, money, and employee morale.
A bit of safety training can make all the difference, especially when coupled with quality ergonomic tools designed for heavy use. Workers and managers can minimize downtime and increase productivity with this guide to hand knife safety on the plant floor.
Considering all the hazards in modern industry, it's easy to see why many managers overlook hand knife safety. However, small mistakes with daily-use equipment still present real safety challenges. One slip could result in a serious injury.
When mistakes happen, the financial consequences are serious. For example, a single laceration can bring over $20,000 in direct costs and another $24,000 in indirect costs. That means preventing even one incident a year can put nearly $50,000 back into your budget.
And even when serious injury doesn't occur, small mistakes with knives can add up, cutting into your efficiency and profit margins.
Using the right tool gets a task done right the first time. Using an inappropriate knife increases the risk of injury and operator strain, and it produces poor cuts that could affect the quality of the finished product. If you redo the cuts, that's wasted time and material coming out of your bottom line.
Your employees need proper knives. While buying fewer knives may save money upfront, it could cost you in the long run with wasted material and increased workers' comp payments. At Hyde, we're proud to offer a wide selection of knives perfect for every job. Check out our coolest hand knives to learn more!
An operator on the plant floor could make thousands of cuts over the course of a year. Repetitive strain injuries are a risk with any kind of repeated motion, but that risk increases when an operator has a poor grip or sloppy technique.
Make sure workers hold the knife properly and perform cuts on a stable, flat surface. Teach them to use any safety features the knife offers and stay focused on the task at hand. Employees should not use a knife before they understand how to use it.
Ergonomic knives can make it easier and more comfortable for employees to use knives safely. Consider updating your knives to ones with ergonomic grips, such as the ones found in Hyde's knife collection.
Sharp blades require less force from the user and make it easier to have a proper grip. Over time, using a dull blade can increase the risk of a repetitive strain injury.
All blades, including industrial hand knives, need to be inspected and sharpened on a regular basis. The exact interval depends on the knife, but whatever the schedule, workers need to follow it, even if they think the blade is already sharp enough. The effects of a dull blade can start before people even notice it.
Any inspection schedule should be paired with safe disposal and regular knife replacements. Designate a safe receptacle for disposing of dull knives and blades, and plan for future blade purchases. Consider having a regular standing order to avoid waiting for a replacement.
Check out our blade maintenance tips to learn more about sharpening and replacing dull knives.
PPE should be used for every cut, even if it seems unnecessary to some operators. Using PPE such as cut-resistant gloves or protective sleeves reduces injuries.
Workplaces need to build a safety culture that normalizes PPE and makes it seem ridiculous to go without. Reminders posted at workstations and near blade storage can work as a friendly nudge. Employees should also feel empowered to encourage each other to use PPE.
Knives need to be put away and stored safely.
Leaving knives strewn on tables and workstations is a recipe for unintentional cuts. Improper storage can also damage knives. If they're not secure in a rack, they can fall and crack their handles, and keeping them in a pile introduces the potential of blade-on-blade contact.
Your company should provide ample storage and clear designations about where each knife goes. It's hard to ask your workers to keep things organized if you don't offer enough space or guidance on where to put knives when they're not in use.
Storage solutions needn't be fancy. A simple cabinet or magnetic rack is great. Make sure knife storage is easy to get to, but not in a high-traffic area where workers could bottleneck. Designate blade changing stations as well, and hang some information sheets with hand knife safety tips.
Hand knife replacement isn't a place where you can afford to scrimp. Cracked, bent, or compromised knives should be taken out of commission immediately and disposed of properly.
Perform knife and blade inspections at regular intervals. Make sure you check all parts of a knife: the handle, the blade, and the connection between the two. When in doubt, throw it out.
Plan how you'll replace any knives you retire. Think about how many knives you toss in a standard inspection, and consider a standing order for replacements. That way, no one is tempted to hang on to an unsafe knife.
Safety is everybody's job. Regular employee training and proper signage can keep rules and technique top of mind for everyone. Employees should use safe, high-quality tools that are appropriate for the job and designed to withstand a heavy workload.
Hyde offers dependable, ergonomic industrial hand knives that are safe and easy to use. Made in the USA with high-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship, our blades promote efficiency while reducing risk. If you're thinking of upgrading your facility's knives, check out our collection, or get in touch for more information and custom solutions.