Abstract: A control lever assembly adapted for use with a powered surgical instrument which prevents the instrument from being inadvertently or accidentally activated. The assembly 10 includes a depressible control lever 20 for controlling the action of the instrument and a second safety lever or latch 30 which engages the trigger pin 6 of instrument only when selectively positioned with respect to control lever 20. Control lever 20 is secured to cutting device 2 by a mounting bracket 12. Safety latch 30 is pivotally carried by control lever 20 for shiftable movement between a safety position and an operational position. In the operational position, safety latch 30 engages trigger pin 6 when control lever 20 is depressed. Safety latch 30 cannot be switched from its safety position to its operational position when control lever 20 is depressed; therefore, the instrument is "locked-out" and cannot be inadvertently activated even when control lever 20 is depressed.