We all want to make sure our employees stay safe while performing their job duties. Workplace accidents not only negatively affect your productivity, but they can also result in expensive workers compensation claims and lawsuits too. So, to reduce the risk of injuries occurring, having your employees wear or use personal protective equipment (PPE) is helpful. But that enough to keep them safe? In addition to traditional PPE, safety knives are also necessary to ensure your employees stay as protected as possible. Read on to learn more about personal protective equipment and safety knives, and why it’s essential to use both within your organization.

Personal Protective Equipment Also Includes Safety Knives

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is what your employees wear or use to protect them from hazards while working so that they don’t get injured. PPE is needed when workers come in contact with physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, or other dangers. Types of personal protective equipment could include safety glasses and shoes, gloves, hard hats, full bodysuits, and more depending on your type of industry. But when purchasing PPE for your employees, don’t forget to get them safety knives too.

Knives are standard tools that are used daily in many industries. And when your employees work with knives, the risk of them accidentally getting lacerations and cuts is always there. So, it makes sense when purchasing PPE (especially if you are buying gloves) that you also include safety knives to keep your employees as safe as possible while working.

Are Safety Knives and Personal Protective Equipment Needed?

As an employer, are you obligated to provide your employees with personal protective equipment? According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), yes, you are if your employees are exposed to dangers and hazards within the workplace. And there sure is a wide range of potential hazards workers can come in contact with daily!

In addition to paying for your workers’ personal protective equipment, OSHA also requires that your employees receive adequate training on how to use their PPE, when to use it, and how to care for it. Same goes for your safety knives too! It is essential that your employees receive proper training on how to use their safety knives (preferably through a comprehensive knife safety program) to help prevent lacerations.

Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Knives are Effective

When used consistently, personal protective equipment and safety knives work well in improving workplace safety. Therefore, your company needs to make sure your policies regarding using PPE are clear, and that your employees follow them all of the time. You don’t want an injury to occur for your employees to recognize the importance of using their PPE and safety knives correctly.

The ultimate goals of PPE and safety knives are to keep your workers protected, and also to increase the overall safety at your facility. At Martor USA, we have a wide selection of safety knives that will help reduce the risk of injuries. To find out more information, or to see our inventory, please visit our website.