Cuts are a major risk
in Accommodation
and Food Services
Activities. Many
accidents occur
because items slip
when they’re being
cut or knives don’t
move in the direction
required. In many
cases large kitchen
knives are used for
tasks where a smaller,
safer knife could be used.
Consider having new staff using knives wear a cut-proof
glove on their non-knife hand for the start of their training.
Consider having staff wear a cut-proof glove on their non-
knife hand while doing intricate or difficult operations, e.g.
boning.
Safeguards
1 Don’t use a knife
✔ Don’t use a knife unless you have to
✔ Consider using pre-cut food rather than having to
use knives
✔ Order supplies in easy-open containers
✔ Use scissors or retractable blade for opening
bags/boxes
✔ Do not use a knife to taste food
2 Cut away from you
✔ Always cut away from you
✔ Never cut towards yourself
✔ Cut down onto a proper cutting
board
✔ Ensure item being cut is secure
and cannot roll/ topple
3 Store knives securely
✔ Store knives securely in the proper areas
✔ Ensure proper storage is provided
✔ Label storage area as required
✔ Do not leave knives lying around in sink areas, on
workbenches, etc.
4 No knives in the sink
✔ Do not leave knives soaking in
a sink full of water - they are an
invisible hazard
✔ Provide a designated area for
dirty knives and inform
everyone