Utility Knives & Box Cutters

Utility knives cause more hand lacerations than almost any other tool, often deep cuts to the fingers, palm, thigh or forearm that need stitches or surgery.

• Construction
• General Industry

Safer knife choices

• Self-retracting blade knives: the blade pulls back as soon as it leaves the material.
• Safety cutters with guarded or ceramic blades for opening boxes and cutting straps.
• Hook-blade knives for roofing and flooring.
• Ask if a knife is even needed: snips, scissors or strap cutters may be safer.

Cutting safely

1. Put on cut-resistant gloves (at least ANSI A3 or as your employer specifies), especially on your non-knife hand.
2. Secure the material on a stable surface.
3. Keep your free hand behind the blade, never in front of the cutting path.
4. Cut away from your body, and never toward your legs or lap.
5. Use several light passes rather than forcing one deep cut.
6. Retract or close the blade as soon as you’re done, every time.

• Don’t use a dull blade. Dull blades need more force and slip. Change blades often and put used blades in a blade disposal container.
• Don’t pry with a knife or use it as a screwdriver.
• Don’t leave an open knife on a surface, in a pocket, or in a bucket.
• Don’t cut while someone is standing right next to you in the cutting direction.

Last updated: October 1, 2026