Ergonomics is a common consideration in most areas of the workplace and safety knives are no exception. However, people mistakenly think that the only ergonomic concern that needs to be addressed with a safety knife is that it is comfortable to hold. I agree that comfort in the hand is a top ergonomic priority, but there are numerous other points that frequently go overlooked: 

• Blade quality - A high end blade will cut better and last longer than a lower quality blade. Simply put, the operator has to put less effort into the cut if the blade stays sharp longer and does most of the work.

• Blade thickness - Higher quality blades can be made slightly thinner than average blades. This allows them to cut better and reduce the force needed by the operator to cut most materials.

• Ease of blade change - All blades eventually get dull so the effort required to change the blade is incredibly important. Most cuts happen with a dull blade because the operator neglects to find a tool to change the blade. This leads to over exertion while performing the cut with a dull blade and a higher risk of injury. An easy, tool free blade change alleviates this risk by encouraging the operator to keep a fresh, sharp blade installed.

• Trigger mechanisms - The latest generation of safety knives feature trigger mechanisms to engage the blade versus thumb sliders. While there is nothing ergonomically incorrect about a slider mechanism, there is no doubt that a trigger mechanism adds to the ease of use.

• Quality of the handle - A well manufactured safety knife handle will add to the ergonomic benefits too. Soft touch rubber, lightweight materials and user friendly designs are a few of the ergonomic considerations given to higher end safety cutting tools.

All of these are reasons that a high quality and well designed safety knife will do much more than reduce the risk of laceration. It will also greatly improve, and probably eliminate, ergonomic issues with fixed blade utility knives to make the operator's job much easier on a daily basis.

Please share this article with anyone interested and don't hesitate to contact me with any safety knife related questions or feedback.

Have a safe day!