Causes of Utility Knife Accidents Many accidents involving utility knives occur for the following reasons: JC por John Carranza Common Causes of Utility Knife Accidents 1 3 Improper Cutting Technique 2 Dull Blade Usage Drawing the knife towards you instead of away Working with a dull blade. (Dull blades require more from your body. pressure, increasing the potential for injury.) Overloading the Knife 4 Trying to cut more than the knife can handle. Unsafe Storage Improperly storing the knife with the blade extended. 5 Lack of Protective Equipment Failing to wear personal protective equipment. 6 Neglecting Inspection Neglecting to inspect the tool before use. There have been cases where workers have suffered injuries from exposed blade tips. This is because the blades did not completely retract into the handle.