Cuts are a common injury in the workplace. Many of these injuries are the result of the following situations:
  • Not paying attention
  • Improper training
  • Lack of established safety procedures
  • Employees rushing or taking shortcuts
  • Failure to wear proper hand protection
  • Missing or improperly adjusted guarding equipment
To avoid most cuts from objects follow these recommendations:
  • Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, gloves, and long sleeves.
  • Use the proper tool for the job at hand.
  • Keep the work area clear.
  • Use a sharp blade; a dull blade means a worker has to exert more force when cutting, increasing the risk of an injury.
  • Replace dull blades when necessary.
  • Never leave an exposed blade unattended; use self-retracting cutting blades.
  • Do not put an open blade in your pocket. Cuts and punctures have occurred because a box cutter or knife has been placed in a pocket.
  • Use cut-resistant gloves, where needed.
To encourage the use of PPE, work with employees to find the proper glove fit and style. Employees will wear PPE if they like it. It is also beneficial to have color-coded gloves for specific chemical exposures or tasks. That way it will be easier for employees to know which glove to use for which task. 
 
NOTICE: This guide may make reference to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations; however the guide is not legal advice as to compliance with OSHA or other safety laws, codes, or regulations. Compliance with OSHA and other safety laws codes or regulations, and maintaining a safe work environment for your employees remains your responsibility. WCF Insurance does not undertake to perform the duty of any person to provide for the health or safety of your employees. WCF Insurance does not warrant that your workplace is safe or healthful, or that it complies with any laws, regulations, codes, or standards.