USING AND MAINTAINING KNIVES\BOX CUTTERS SAFELY

It is important to handle your box cutters safely all year round, but the committee knows that at this time of year we are building bigger and more displays to prepare for Christmas, so we just wanted to put out a “friendly reminder” and share some tips. 

• Always cut in a direction away from your body and make sure no body parts (face, fingers, toes etc.) are NOT in the cutting path.
• Be sure that other people in the area are a safe distance away before you start to cut.
• Take your time when cutting and don’t try to rush when cutting. 
• When cutting cardboard (or other material) only extend the blade as far as needed to safely cut through the thickness of the cardboard. This provides better cutting leverage and reduces chances of damaging merchandise.
• Many knives carry replacement blades inside the handle. Be careful when opening the handle not to let the extra blades fall out.
• Keep your blade sharp – Sharp blades will cut cleanly. A dull blade will tug and pull, which is more likely to cause your hand to slip and cut your finger. This also provides an ergonomic benefit. The cases are more attractive when cut cleanly with a sharp blade.
• Don’t use a tool with a rusty blade. Rusty blades increase the chances of nicks and cuts becoming infected. Keep your knife clean.
• When cutting taped cartons – cut the tape horizontally, not vertically towards you.
• Close the knife whenever you are not using it.
• Carry the knife safely by either closing the blade or inserting the knife into its sheath. 
• Pass all tools especially sharp ones such as box cutters carefully, handle first. Never toss. 
• Don’t try and catch a knife that you dropped. If this happens step back and let it fall. DO NOT TRY TO CATCH IT! Sounds silly but it is our instinct to reach out and try to catch it. 
• Do not leave knives unattended on the sales floor or the counter. A customer could hurt themselves and they could also be used as weapons.
• Do not leave on top of stacks in warehouse. This could cause an accident if a clerk were to pick up the top box and the knife could fall off cutting them. 
• Change blades when necessary. If blades can and need to be changed, follow manufacturer‘s instructions to do so and use only correct replacement blades.
• Dispose of old, dull or broken blades in a puncture – resistant container.

FOLLOWING THESE SAFETY TIPS COULD HELP ELIMINATE ACCIDENTS. 

If you have any questions please contact the committee. 

Download PDF of notice here.

UNIFOR467/MoveUP