A safety device is provided for use in conjunction with a knife switch disposed in a switch well. The safety device comprises an elongate base member having a head end and an insertion portion extending distally away therefrom. The insertion portion is configured for at least partial insertion into the switch well between the knife switch and an internal wall of the switch well when the knife switch is in its open configuration. The device further comprises a slot formed in at least a portion of the insertion portion of the base member. The slot is sized and positioned to receive at least a portion of the blade when the knife switch is in its open configuration and the insertion portion is inserted into the switch well between the knife switch and the internal wall.