Not only knives but other cutting tools are the reason for injury at work. Knives are harmful especially when you have to handle a busy kitchen. While processing food and meat, knives are the only way to go. But there is also a high risk of being injured.
Cuts and lacerations are common in kitchen activities. It is common that while working with a knife continuously the knife might slip off your hand and falls right on your toes. Again, you might forget to notice your fingers from the other hands went under the knife you are using.
These are some common incidents of having and using knives. So, what you can do is be a bit more careful. Also, you have to know about all probable risks and the safety of a knife.
Let’s get started.
13 Risks of Having and Using Knives
Knives can cause several cuts while used. However, they can also cause sprain and strain injuries. Again, they can cause other harmful incidents as well. Let’s acknowledge the causes of risk.
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Using a Dull Knives
Dull knives are probably the most dangerous tool in your kitchen. If the knife you are using is blunt or dull, you have to put extra pressure while cutting food. The force sometimes acts against you causing cuts.
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Not Keeping Knives in a Safe Place
It is another reason your knives may cause harmful events. Your set of knives must have a safe place to keep. You just cannot keep your sharp knife here and there just after using them. The knife might fall off or bring an unwanted situation.
Your special knife must have arrived with a knife sheath. Or, there might be a knife block with your knife set. So, try to keep the knives in places where they belong after finishing your task. Magnetic strips are also considered a great way to store sharp knives.
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Catching of Falling Knife
The sudden reflection of catching a falling knife is also a reason for causing injury. It can cut your hands. So, whenever you see a knife falling, never intend to catch it. Rather step back from the situation right away.
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Not Wearing PPE
While dealing with heavy cutting processes with a knife, many kitchen workers do not wear PPE which is Personal Protective Equipment. This protective gear ensures safety while dealing with larger tasks.
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Working Continuously
Working continuously with a knife can cause fatigue. It is also the reason for sprain and strain injuries. So, you should not hold the knife for a longer period. Give your hand some rest instead of performing a repetitive task.
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Using knives for Other Purposes
Remember that your kitchen knife is only meant for cutting food. Hence, you should not use them for other unnecessary purposes like stirring food or opening tins. It is severely harmful and might end up causing accidents.
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Using Knives Wet Hand
Using a knife wet hand is also harmful. A wet hand allows the knife to slip off the hands and causes cuts. So, it is wise to always keep your hands dry.
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Cutting Over Wet Surface
A wet surface is also a reason for slipping the knife and causing cuts. So, always make sure the surface is also dry while cutting over it.
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Using Index Finger for Balancing
Even many professionals out there do this mistake. While holding a knife and cutting with it, many try to balance the process with the help of their index finger. But actually, the index finger offers only a poor balance. So, if you want to bring a good balance use your second finger along with your middle finger to grip the blade gently on both sides.
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Carelessness While Sharing Knife
It happens when you are about to give a person your knife by your hand, the other person is supposed to hold the blade part while taking it. Thus, the sharp blade will surely cause a cut. So, it is better to put the knife on the surface and then let the other person take it.
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Carelessness While Using New Knife
The different knife comes with different pattern, feature, and design. You are now used to using your old knife day after day. But when it comes to using a new knife, you have to know its feature first. It might not work the same way your previous knife did.
It might also take some time to fit in your hand properly. Otherwise, it is common that you can get injured. So, use your new knife carefully until it adjusts in your hands properly offering a good grip.
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Inattention While Cleaning the Knife
While cleaning the knife most of us do not pay attention. But the sharp edge might leave a cut on your hands in no time if you do not pay any attention. So, always be careful while cleaning your knife.
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Using the Wrong Knife
Many people in the kitchen do not know which knife is the best for which cutting purpose. For say, if you use a cleaver knife for cutting small fruits then there are chances of accidents. So, know first which knife is the best for your cutting task.
The Do’s While Handling Knife
- Always use a sharp knife.
- Halve the curved fruits or veggies while cutting or dicing them.
- Hold the knife carefully.
- Use a chopping board or stable cutting surface.
- Hone your knives frequently.
- While carrying a knife, point it downward.
- Do not carry knives in your pocket.
- Keep your knives in a protected place.
- Keep the knives far away from your pets and children.
- Do not use a dishwasher while cleaning the knives.
- Do not soak your knives for a longer period this might damage the blade and handle of the knife.
Final Words
So, now you can see that there are several chances your knife might cause you harm. But, once you acknowledge how you can prevent them, you can have a cut-free cooking life.
Knives are meant to alleviate the deliciousness of your food. So, make the best use of it without hurting yourself.
Also, try to buy the best knife. There are several knife brands that offer knives free from danger at budget-friendly ranges. Knives that are higher in price rate are low maintenance and cause less harm to the user.
However, you still have to be careful with any sharp objects you are using.
