PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR CATALOGUE - Flipbook - Page 232
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
MINIMISING HAND INJURIES
IN THE WORKPLACE
Hands have always been human’s greatest tool constantly in the firing line of the
elements and risks.
This is true for workers everyday especially for those in
manufacturing, construction and mining who are most likely
to suffer hand injuries. However, all industries can benefit from
taking precaution and following best safety practices.
HAND AND WRIST INJURIES ACCOUNT FOR 38%
OF ALL OCCUPATIONAL INCIDENTS THAT LEAD
TO HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS1
Hand and wrist injuries account for 38% of all occupational
incidents that lead to hospital admissions1, according to
Kinnect Australia. The most common injuries relate to
thumbs and fingers.
Most hand injuries are caused from operating machinery or
interacting with power tools. Improper handling of tools, like
knives, can be one of many reasons for such injuries.
Safety knives are simple and valuable tools in the workplace
that are utilised in warehousing, construction, food processing
and retail among others. Although according to the
Queensland Government, young workers, specifically 15-24
year olds, are the most at risk for injury caused by knives, with
one-third of all their injuries being cuts.2
The common causes for these types of injuries from improper
use. Knives are often not kept sharp and or improperly used.
In addition, people sometimes do not wear the correct
protective equipment nor use the right cutting tool for
the task at hand.3
Given the amount of caution workers should take with knives,
it’s important to choose a safety knife that will fit the task
being conducted. Knife selection is critical for safe and
effective use to get the job done. Other considerations also
include the weight, ergonomics as well as longevity of the blade.
CHOOSING
A KNIFE
Dual Action Safety Knife
Concealed Knife
Dual Action Safety Knives are those that allow the blade to
retract once pressure is released from the blade even if the
blade trigger is still engaged. This is achieved with a second
spring mechanism. Knives like these have long been offered as
ambidextrous.
A concealed knife is one that has no open blade. This range
is the safest to use and the Ronsta Team’s first option as it is
extremely difficult to get injured.
Single Action Safety Knives
RONSTA KNIVES
Single Action Safety Knives have self-retracting blades through
a spring technology. The most popular knives in the market are
single-action. The single spring technology allows the blade to
retract once the trigger mechanism is released. By using the
knife properly and engaging the blade, one then needs to take
the thumb off the knife trigger.
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This will allow the blade to retract once the cut is finished
and the pressure is removed from the knife blade. If a worker
leaves the thumb on the trigger after the cut is finished the
blade will remain engage and therefore can possibly cause an
injury.
This is why proper use of knives and cutting applications are
paramount when in use. Safety knives typically have many
variations depending on the price and size so you can have
premium and economical choices. Likewise, ambidextrous
options exist.
It is hidden behind a guard for limited exposure. It comes in a
variety of sizes but it usually has a hook or beak-shaped guide
that can cut film, shrink wraps, tape, strapping and cardboard.
Utility Knives
Utility Knives have more blade exposure and can be used for
both household and industrial purposes. It is considered an
all-around tool and can cut through different materials like
wood, rubber, paper, plastic, among others.
There are typically two types of Utility Knives. Manual
Retractable and Fixed Blade Knives. Manual Retractable
Knives have blades that remain exposed when the trigger is
released. The blade remains exposed and does not retract
on it’s own like Dual Action and Single Action Knives. These
knives are often left alone with the blades exposed which is a
common accident in the workplace.
Fixed Blade knives have no retraction at all meaning the blade
is constantly exposed. Common in the flooring market and are
the most dangerous of all knives. A utility knife often has the
option to replace its blades easily.
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