Tool Safety · 2–5 min toolbox talk
Safe Use of Utility Knives
A safety talk focused on utility knife hazards, including blade exposure, cutting direction, hand placement, dull blades, safe storage, blade disposal, and choosing safer cutters.
Use this printed script for your tailgate or toolbox talk. Read through the hazards, script, and questions with your crew.
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“Safe Use of Utility Knives”
Key Hazards
- Cuts from exposed or uncontrolled blades
- Hands placed in the cutting path
- Dull blades requiring excessive force
- Blade slips while cutting packaging, straps, or material
- Improper storage of open knives or loose blades
- Unsafe disposal of used blades
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Utility knives are used often, but they can cause serious cuts when workers rush, use too much force, cut toward the body, or leave blades exposed.
Workers should choose the safest cutting tool for the task. A safety knife, guarded cutter, scissors, snips, or another tool may be safer than an exposed blade.
The blade should be sharp, secure, and in good condition. Dull blades require more force, which increases the chance of slipping or losing control.
Workers should cut away from the body and keep the other hand out of the cutting path. If the blade slips, it should not travel toward fingers, legs, torso, or another worker.
The material should be supported and stable before cutting. Packaging, straps under tension, plastic wrap, cardboard, and loose material can shift suddenly.
Only enough blade should be exposed to make the cut. Extending the blade too far increases the chance of deep cuts and broken blades.
Utility knives should be retracted, closed, or sheathed when not in use. Loose knives in pockets, toolboxes, carts, or work surfaces can cut someone unexpectedly.
Used blades should be disposed of in an approved container, not thrown loose into trash, drawers, bags, or boxes where they can injure someone later.
Safety Reminders
- Use the safest cutting tool for the task.
- Keep blades sharp, secure, and in good condition.
- Cut away from the body.
- Keep hands out of the cutting path.
- Use only the blade length needed.
- Retract or cover blades when not in use.
- Dispose of used blades safely.
Ask the Crew
- Is a utility knife the safest tool for this cut?
- Is the blade sharp, secure, and not overextended?
- Where will the blade go if it slips?
- Are hands and body parts out of the cutting path?
- How will used blades be stored or disposed of?