Cuts and lacerations are frequent home injuries, sometimes requiring medical attention for wounds ranging from minor nicks to deep gashes. Since many household activities involve sharp objects, a proactive approach to safety is the most effective way to avoid injury. Adopting specific techniques for handling and storing sharp tools can drastically reduce the risk of accidental cuts.
Preventing Cuts While Food Prepping
The kitchen is a high-risk area, and proper technique with knives is the primary defense against injury. When cutting ingredients, use the “claw grip,” which involves curling the fingertips inward and using the knuckles of the non-dominant hand as a guide for the knife blade. This technique keeps the fingertips safely tucked away from the cutting edge, with the blade resting against the knuckles as it moves.
A sharp knife is safer than a dull one because a dull blade requires greater force to slice through food. This increases the chance that the knife will slip off the ingredient and cause injury. Always use a stable cutting surface, such as a wooden or plastic cutting board, and avoid cutting anything while holding it in your hand.
Specialized tools like mandoline slicers are notorious for causing deep lacerations due to their exposed, razor-sharp blades. Always use the hand guard or food pusher that comes with the equipment. If the food item becomes too small to hold with the guard, discard the remaining piece or switch to a cut-resistant glove for the non-slicing hand.
A major safety hazard occurs during cleanup when knives are often hidden from sight. Never leave a sharp knife soaking in a sink full of murky, soapy water, as this risks accidentally reaching in and grabbing the blade. The best practice is to wash the knife by hand immediately after use, dry it, and put it away securely. Soaking also risks corrosion and can damage knife handles.
Safety Measures for Tools and Hobbies
Activities involving utility knives, power tools, and gardening implements require specific protocols to prevent cuts outside of the kitchen. When using a utility knife or box cutter, always cut away from your body and keep your free hand clear of the cutting path. Use steady, controlled pressure, and ensure the blade is sharp, as forcing a dull blade increases the risk of slippage.
For power tools such as saws or sanders, completely isolate the energy source before any hands-on adjustments. This means unplugging the cord for electric tools or removing the battery pack for cordless versions before changing a blade, clearing a jam, or making adjustments. This physical disconnection prevents accidental start-up, which can cause injury if your hands are near the moving parts.
Handling gardening tools like pruning shears and loppers poses a laceration risk. Wear thick work gloves when using these tools to protect against cuts and thorns. Always inspect the tool before use, and keep the blades clean and sharp; a dull tool requires excessive force, which can lead to a loss of control. After use, clean the blades to remove sap and debris, and cover the sharp edges with a sheath or secure padding before storing them.
Secure Handling and Storage of Sharps
Safe storage and disposal are crucial for preventing passive injuries when sharps are not in active use. Kitchen knives should be stored out of reach of children, either in a knife block, a drawer with a child-proof safety latch, or on a magnetic strip mounted high on a wall. The goal is to make the knives inaccessible and out of sight.
For used razor blades or needles, proper disposal involves using a dedicated, puncture-proof sharps container. For razor blades, a safe alternative is a DIY “blade bank,” such as a sealed metal tin or a thick plastic bottle with a secure cap, clearly labeled “sharps.” Never toss loose blades directly into the trash, as they can injure sanitation workers or puncture the trash bag.
Broken glass must be handled with caution to protect household members and waste handlers. Do not place broken glass directly into the trash or recycling bin, as it poses an immediate safety hazard. Instead, wear thick gloves, sweep the pieces into a sturdy container like a small cardboard box, or wrap them securely in multiple layers of newspaper or a thick plastic bag. The wrapped or boxed glass should then be sealed and clearly labeled “Broken Glass” before being placed in the regular garbage.
Opening new products can be a hazard, especially rigid plastic clamshell packaging, which is a common cause of accidental cuts. A safer method than using a knife or scissors is to use a manual rotary can opener to cut along the sealed edge of the plastic, keeping the cutting wheel away from your hands. Another option is to use heavy-duty scissors or snips to carefully cut along the perimeter seam, protecting your hands with gloves.