Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Chef Knife - Shirley Deutsch/Mishandling of the sharp blade

Assembly blade with handle Hazard - Mishandling of the sharp blade

Mishandling of the sharp blade, what are the causes, factors that affect and health effects?

A mishandling of the sharp blade can occur in different parts of the assembly process. The blade might not have cooled down and cause burns to the employee handling the blade. The blade may fall from the workers hand and result in bodily harm. The mishandling can happen during the assembly of the handle.

How can the risk of mishandling be reduced as well as the risk of injury as a result?

The best control to reduce injury or death as a result of blade mishandling would be to keep the workplace clean and tidy as well as having the employees wear gloves and protective clothing. Most common injuries with blades as a result of mishandling during assembly of handle will occur to the hands. Proper hand wear will reduce the risk. Controls are great and will really help prevent such accidents - however the workplace needs to enforce such controls onto the employees and explain their importance. By enforcing proper clothing, gloves, and reporting of any injuries - the workplace can be a lot safer and occupational injuries would be reduced.