7 Surprising Things You Probably Don't Know About Hand Tool Safety

How many hand tools do you use in your workplace? Though you may not think about it often, you probably use more than two on a daily basis. Industrial, construction, and warehouse workers may utilize hand tools more frequently, but people in other lines of work need them as well. For example, office employees use box cutters, safety knives, scissors, and other hand tools throughout their day to perform various routine tasks. So, hand tool safety is not limited to specific industries. Instead, it is a universal necessity.

Although most safety precautions for hand tools may seem like common sense it is important that you cover basic safety protocols with your employees. Severe injuries like cuts and lacerations can happen quickly from improper use. 

Here are 7 things that you may not know about hand tool safety that will make your workplace safer.

1. Personal Protective Equipment is a Must – Personal protective equipment (PPE)  refers to any covering or garment that protects your hands or body while using a tool. Examples of PPE you may need (depending on the tool and task) include cut-resistant gloves, safety goggles or glasses, and safety footwear. It is important to use your PPE every time, even for short tasks, to make sure that you are protected from accidental cuts and lacerations.

2. Use your Hand Tools Properly – Even if you think you know how to operate a specific hand tool, make sure to read the instruction manual before using a tool for the first time. Manuals may seem boring but they give you invaluable information on how to use your tool correctly. Your instruction booklet may even provide you with information on what kind of PPE you should wear.

3. Conduct Regular Training Sessions – Institute regular training sessions on how to operate hand tools correctly. These sessions can include videos, demonstrations, or other techniques specific to your tool’s design and will reinforce good habits. Additionally, you may want to post pictures depicting proper hand tool use throughout your workplace.

4. Dedicate Specific Areas for Hand Tools – Having a designated space for hand tool use keeps the focus on the task at hand, and ensures that all the tools stay in one place. Depending on the types of tools being used, you may want to require employees to wear PPE in the designated area whether or not they are using the tools.

5. Perform Regular Inspection and Maintenance – For safety knives, this includes making sure that their blades are clean, sharp, and free of chips or cracks. Dull blades require additional force to cut and can be dangerous to operate. Therefore, fix, replace, or dispose of your hand tools properly when needed.  

6. Remain Aware of Your Environment – Always be aware of what is going on around you while you or others are working with hand tools. Safeguards include keeping a distance from others while using your tools, and never tossing or throwing them to coworkers. 

7. Choose High-Quality Hand Tools – Not all hand tools are created equal. High-quality tools last longer and may include features and designs that enhance safety and protection. For example, safety knives with ergonomic designs reduce stress injuries and are easier to handle. Retractable blades help to prevent injuries if a knife slips or is dropped by the user.