As we celebrate our 100th year in business in 2015, we embark on another century of commitment to our policyholders. Our mission is to protect the livelihoods of our policyholders, and, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In keeping with that theme, we’ll celebrate our 100th year in business with 100 important tips to help identify, evaluate and prevent dangers that could result in financial loss or injury in a year-long “Safe with Society” blog series.

A meat slicer can be used to slice meats and cheeses to required thickness and size. This tool has a sharp blade that rotates at high speeds, and it can cause serious injury. First, make sure that meat slicer operators are at least 18 years of age. Most important, make sure everyone using the meat slicer understands how to properly operate it.

Follow these tips for safe operation of a meat slicer:

1. Wear cut-resistant gloves.
   

   In the event of your hand slipping or accidents, these gloves will protect your hands from the meat slicer.

2. Keep the work area free of clutter.
   

   Not only will this make the operation quicker, it’s also much safer when you don’t have to work around other objects.

3. Focus on the task.

   Keep your eyes on the tool at all times. Try to minimize distractions in the kitchen at all times, so anyone working with a blade or slicer can put 100% of their focus on the task at hand.

4. Never push meat with bare hands.
   

   Always use a food pusher or tamper to push the food towards the blade. Even experienced meat slicers should continue to use these tools.

5. Never reach across the slicer.
   

   If you have to reach across the slicer, turn it off and walk around it.

6. Lock the blade when not in use.
   

   Turn it off, unplug it, and move the blade to “zero” or locked position before moving onto any other tasks.

7. Clean with caution.
   

   Use a cut-resistant glove while cleaning the meat slicer. Even if it’s just a quick wash, use a cut-resistant glove every time.

8. Never tamper with the safety switch.
   

   This is a vital component of the meat slicer.

Click here for a helpful handout on meat slicer safety to share with your employees.

Our risk control team is available to help facilitate your safety and health efforts. Learn more about this collaborative and consultative partnership, as well as the exclusive safety resources developed to keep your workplace safe and profitable.