I had just started my first day at my new warehouse job. My job was to move skids of shrinkwrapped packaging materials and put them in the storage areas.

My trainer showed me all the ins and outs of the job. He watched me carefully to make sure I was following all of the safety precautions for moving the loads. Once I handled this part of my task successfully, he handed me a utility knife and said go to it. It was time to cut all of the shrinkwrap and unload the boxes.

The knife looked like a simple tool so I quickly went about my job. Too quick, in fact, because I didn’t realize just how sharp that utility knife was and I ended up with a nasty cut on my other hand.

What Is a Utility Knife?

Originally, utility knives were only available in fixed blade models. Now, many utility knives have a blade that can be retracted and folded into its casing.

Utility knives are common in many different industries and used in various activities. Construction workers, warehouse workers, and even butchers, chefs, and crafters will often keep one handy.

They are small but mighty. Because of this, they’re a familiar sight in garages and toolboxes.

Risks Associated with Utility Knives

Anyone who works with hand tools will tell you that the utility knife is to be treated with respect. It’s a simple and familiar tool. But if you get too comfortable with it, it can cause some nasty injuries.

Even though it’s often used for cutting cardboard, packing tape, or thin plastic, they’re sharp enough to give you some serious cuts or puncture wounds.

It’s even been said that almost 40% of the injuries created from manual workshop tools comes from these types of retractable blade knives.

Common Causes of Utility Knife Injuries

Utility knives are used in various applications and for different types of jobs. Because of this, there are many ways people can injure themselves using these tools. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Novice users tend to draw the knife toward the body instead of directing it away from the body, increasing the likelihood of injury.
  • Not replacing the blade when it has become dull. More pressure needs to be applied when using a dull blade, which increases the risk of injury (by causing the knife to slip, for instance).
  • Using the wrong tool for the job. The blade on a retractable utility knife can be somewhat flimsy, and it is only a few inches long. Using it to cut more than it can handle is a recipe for trouble.
  • Storing the knife with the blade extended or without a proper casing. Anyone not seeing the knife or reaching for it assuming the blade is safely housed within the chamber could get cut.
  • Using the tool without the right PPE, like cut-resistant gloves.
  • Not inspecting the knife before use. The blade could be loose and bounce out of the knife as soon as pressure is applied to it, causing a nasty injury

Quick Safety Tips When Working with Utility Knives

Knowing how to prevent accidents with a utility knife is important to using and handling it properly.

  • Always use the right type of blade for the knife. Not only so they will fit and work properly, but also so they will retract the way they are supposed to, which is a built-in safety feature.
  • Use the right knife for the job. In some cases, safer alternatives like rounded blades might be suitable.
  • Fully inspect the knife prior to use to be sure the blades are locked in properly.
  • Wear safety glasses and the properly rated Level 3 sleeved gloves
  • Position yourself comfortably when using the utility knife. Make sure you’re able to keep your other hand off the cutting area.
  • Don’t apply excessive pressure to the blade.
  • Don’t use the knife for prying or other tasks it wasn’t designed for.
  • Dispose of dull or broken blades in a puncture-resistant container.