5 Tips to Protect Against Cuts in the Workplace

Lacerations rank as one of the most common types of injuries in the workplace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 90,000 workers sustain a laceration that requires them to take five or more days off work. Lacerations, of course, are cuts. While some cuts are minor, others are more severe. If your job requires you to work with knives, box cutters or other sharp tools, you should consider the five following safety tips to protect against cuts.

#1) Inspect Blade Guards

Many bladed tools, as well as machines, are designed with a barrier to protect the user from cuts. Known as a blade guard, it typically consists of a thick piece of plastic or material. The blade guard serves as a barrier between the user's hand and the blade. Before using a bladed tool, inspect the blade guard to ensure it's intact. If the blade guard is missing or damaged, avoid using the tool.

#2) Maintain Sharp Blades

It may sound counterproductive, but maintaining sharp blades can lower the risk of cuts in the workplace. Cuts are more likely to occur with tools that feature a dull blade than a sharp blade. If a tool has a dull blade, it may slip during use. Tools with a sharp blade, on the other hand, are easier to control. You can typically sharpen or replace dull blades. And by doing so, you'll be less likely to sustain cuts when using the respective tool.

#3) Wear Cut-Resistant Gloves

There are gloves available that are designed specifically to protect against cuts. Known as cut-resistant cuts, they are typically made of an ultra-strong mesh material. Some of them are made of metal, whereas others are made of Kevlar. If you're going to use a bladed tool or machine, you should consider wearing a pair of cut-resistant gloves. If the blade happens to slip, the cut-resistant gloves will offer protection.

#4) Ensure Proper Lighting

Lighting is important in the workplace. When working with bladed tools or machines, you'll need proper lighting to see the workstation. Poor lighting can restrict your visibility. And if you can't see the workstation, you may inadvertently move the bladed tool or machine towards your hand. For a safer workplace, ensure proper lighting. You can add floodlights or standard light fixtures to improve the lighting. Alternatively, you can embrace natural sunlight by opening window curtains.

#5) Keep Your Hands Dry

Another tip to protect against cuts in the workplace is to keep your hands dry. Most work-related cuts involve the hands. If your hands are wet or damp, you may struggle to control a bladed tool or machine, which can lead to a cut. Even the perspiration on your hands can increase the risk of a cut. By keeping your hands dry, you'll have greater control over the bladed tool or machine, thereby lowering your risk of sustaining a cut.