Safe Cooking: How to Avoid and Handle Kitchen Knife Injuries

Knowing how to use a knife safely is an essential part of cooking at home, and for those who work in the food industry, it can contribute to a safe work environment. 

Unfortunately, lacerations are a common injury in both homes and commercial kitchens. 

Below, our board-certified hand and wrist surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services share tips for preventing lacerations in the kitchen, what to do if you cut yourself, and how we can help.

How to avoid kitchen knife injuries

There isn’t just one way to avoid a cut — there are many ways to make your kitchen safer. 

Choose the right knife for the job

As with any task, use the right tool for the job. For example, use a chef’s knife for chopping, a paring knife for peeling, and a serrated knife for cutting bread. 

Keep your knives sharp

A knife that’s too small or dull increases the risk of slipping and causing injury. Always keep your knives sharp — a dull blade requires more force and is more likely to slip.

Hold the knife properly

Hold the knife's handle securely with your dominant hand and use your other hand to guide the food into the blade. Keep your fingers tucked in, with your knuckles facing the blade, to prevent accidental cuts.

Use special tools — such as a stainless steel onion holder — to hold slippery fruits or vegetables while you slice.

Use a stable cutting surface

Always use a cutting board on a nonslip surface to stabilize the food. Avoid holding food in your hand while cutting because this increases the likelihood of injury. 

Does your cutting board slide? For added stability, place a damp towel or nonslip mat under it.

Pay attention

Distractions in the kitchen are a major cause of knife injuries. Focus on your cutting task and avoid multitasking. Never rush when you’re using knives; rushing increases the chance of accidental lacerations.

If you have a TV in your kitchen, pause it while cutting food.

If you work in a kitchen, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommends not talking to or distracting a worker using a knife.

Store your knives safely

You can accidentally cut yourself trying to find a knife in a crowded drawer. Keep knives in a knife block or on a magnetic strip, where the blades are secured and out of reach of children.

If you store your knives in a drawer, use a special knife insert designed for drawers. It’ll hold the knives upright and prevent you from slicing your finger on the blade when you pull a knife out.

If your paring knives come with a cover, use the cover when you store your life. 

Place knives facedown in the dishwasher

Not all knives are dishwasher safe, but if yours are, place them point-down to avoid cuts when unloading the dishwasher.

Use safety tools or gloves

Knives aren’t the only sharp blades in the kitchen. Meat slicers, bread slicers, mandolines, and food processors also contain sharp blades that can injure you. Follow all safety and operating instructions carefully, and if possible, wear Kevlar gloves when using mandolins. 

First aid for cuts

Even if you follow all of these safety measures, accidents can still happen. If you cut your hand while cooking, follow basic first aid care for lacerations.

To stop the bleeding, apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. In a pinch, you could use a new paper towel, a clean dish towel, or even your apron. If possible, keep your injured hand elevated (above the level of your heart).

After cleaning your cut, cover the wound with a sterile bandage.  Once the bleeding slows or stops, gently clean the wound with soap and water. Avoid rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can delay healing.

For deeper cuts or if the bleeding doesn't stop, seek medical attention immediately. Deep lacerations may require sutures or even tendon repair. 

When surgical intervention is needed

You might need surgery for a knife cut on your hand if the wound is deep enough to damage tendons, nerves, or blood vessels or if the bleeding won’t stop. The cut may require surgery if it leads to significant loss of function, such as difficulty moving fingers or persistent numbness.

Our hand surgeons, Dr. Jonathan Liu and  Dr. Huey Yuan Tien, can help repair damaged tendons and nerves while restoring function to your hand.

Questions? Call the location of your choice or request an appointment online.