Skip to content

Thumb cut – Removal of guarding/safety observation

A member reports that while cutting a sheet of paper on a manual cutting machine, an employee’s left thumb was placed into the cutting line as the blade was pulled down. Upon investigation it was learned that the barrier guard had been removed from the paper cutter by another employee.

The company concerned has noted the following points:

  • Guarding/Barriers – The barrier guard (a small metal rod preventing the thumb or fingers entering the cutting line of the blade) should never be removed from a paper cutter. If a guard has been removed, the cutter should not be used.
  • Inspection – All paper cutters should be checked for proper guarding.
  • Caution – Even with a barrier guard in place, care must still be taken to keep free hands and other objects away from the blade. It is still possible to cut oneself if above the barrier guard height and into the cutting line of the blade.

Safety Event

Published: 1 June 2003
Download: IMCA SF 05/03

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.