Slice offers a full line of cutting tools and for each we worked with world-class designers to reassess handle design. So when it’s time to switch out utility blades, for instance, you can just throw old ones in your regular trash or recycle them where facilities exist. Slice blades do not require such extra care. And dull blades still pose a hazard, so must be disposed of in a sharps box. On the other hand, a dull blade is also a dangerous blade, as more force is necessary to perform a cut. An overly sharp blade is particularly dangerous. It also means fewer blade changes, which adds another element of safety: cuts are more likely to happen when you’re handling a blade.īecause metal is relatively soft, it dulls quickly, which is why it’s overly sharp out of the box.
Tests of Slice safety blades show that they last up to 11 times longer than steel. While zirconium oxide is much harder than steel, some ceramic blades use different materials, or less than 100 percent zirconia. That is, not all ceramic utility knife blades or box cutter blades are created equal, even though they’re often discussed as having the same qualities.
Note that there are other companies that use advanced ceramics for their blades, but those blades are still dangerously sharp out of the box the same is true for metal blades. The blades feature Slice’s proprietary grind, which is finger-friendly-much safer to touch than a traditional blade. All Slice blades are made out of 100 percent zirconium oxide, an advanced ceramic. Slice is the only company to create a safety blade. While these are steps in the right direction, they don’t get to the part of the cutter that does the damage: the blade. In the world of safety knives, the primary focus has been on handle design and reducing blade exposure. You can get a jump on that by discussing laceration prevention in safety moments, including steps to avoid cuts on safety checklists, and by switching to Slice. There is also the cost of paid time off, if required, and hiring temp help or overburdening staff to fill in for the injured party.īottom line, preventing lacerations should be a safety priority. In addition to the possible increase in insurance or worker’s comp premiums, any injury disrupts productivity. After all, what job doesn’t require you to use your hands? Such an injury can sideline or handicap an employee for days, weeks, even months.įor the employer, lacerations are shockingly expensive, once you consider all of the direct and indirect costs. While any cut should be avoided, those sustained on the hand can have a particularly negative impact on workers. This can require hospital visits, surgery, and follow-up care.
More serious lacerations not only cause pain, but they can lead to severed connective tissue or nerves, and permanent damage. Even small lacerations can be irritating and painful for days. As concerns the latter, safety managers the world over continually hunt for the safest safety knife-and we believe that search ends with Slice.īefore talking about how Slice has made common industrial cutters like utility knives and box cutters safer, it’s important to give a brief look at why laceration prevention should be a key workplace safety focus.įirst off, cuts hurt. The good news is that they are largely preventable, given the right training and the right equipment. Lacerations are one of the most common injuries sustained in the workplace.