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There is a very good chance that, wherever you are, there's a box cutter of some sort nearby. This is especially true if you work in a department store, warehouse, or grocery store: all places where packages and shipments must be cut into on a daily basis. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that box cutters are not a hazard in your workplace. Just like any other tool, they should be used with caution to prevent injury to yourself and your coworkers.
USING KNIVES AND BOX CUTTERS SAFELY:
* Point the blade away from yourself when cutting. Make sure no body parts (face, fingers, toes, et cetera) are in the cutting path. Be sure that other people in the area are at a safe distance before you cut into the shrink wrap, carton, etc.
* Take your time. Hacking your way through half an inch of collective shrink wrap is much more dangerous than going easy on it and cutting through the material a couple of layers at a time.
* When you're not using the knife or box cutter, make sure the blade is safely stored away. Knives fold so that the blade is stored inside the handle, or they are put into protective sheaths. Many box cutters are retractable so that the blade is not a danger to people who aren't aware of its presence.
Think about it: when you put down your knife or cutter on a cluttered table, it's entirely possible that a coworker will put his or her hand down on top of it. If you've taken care to close it or retract the blade, your buddies will be able to continue helping you do your jobs, versus making a quick trip to the emergency room for stitches.
* Blades are best when they're sharp. Because sharp blades are much easier to operate (i.e. you don't have to go into hacking-and-slashing motions to cut one strand of rope), they're safer to use. This is because you won't become frustrated with the dull tool, and because you'll be able to get the job done faster without compromising safety.
* Don't use tools with rusted blades. Even if you've had all your shots (namely, tetanus), you should still be careful of rust. It increases the chance of cuts and nicks becoming infected and dulls the tool. That, and it's more likely to break, sending steel shrapnel everywhere. If you want to liven up your workplace, start a water balloon fight on your lunch break. It's safer and more fun, especially in the summertime.
First Aid--In Case Something Happens Despite Your Precautions
* Stop the bleeding. Compress clean towels or bandages atop the wound until the blood stops flowing. If the blood soaks through the first bandage, put another on top of it: only medical professionals should remove the bandage.
* Call your supervisor. He or she needs to know what's going on so that they can contact the emergency room and other proper authorities. This is especially important if you could be eligible for workman's compensation coverage.
* If the wound is severe (deep, long, or doesn't stop bleeding), go to the emergency room for treatment. You may have to undergo a drug (if you were injured on the job), and fill out a pile of paperwork roughly as tall as Shaquille O'Neal, but you'll be glad you did it - especially when the doctor says you won't lose your finger after all.
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