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The importance of safety and security signs at a workplace
safety security signs

The importance of safety and security signs at a workplace

Workplace mishaps can be hazardous, and employees’ safety is an employer’s responsibility as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) norms. Safety and security signs are an easy but effective way of keeping employees aware of the various hazards that can occur at the workplace and how to avoid them. Here are three primary reasons why a workplace should have safety signs.

Educational purposes
When an employee is aware of a potential hazard, they will take conscious steps to keep away. Safety and security signs act as the first point of interaction through which new employees get acquainted with the workplace and areas that can be potentially dangerous. If your workplace has new employees joining every now and then, safety signs can also act as an on-boarding element.

Adherence to legalities
The law requires every workplace to have safety and security signs at places that pose a risk to employees’ safety. These signs should be clear, legible, strategically placed so that they are easily visible, and well-maintained. OSHA violations can lead to regulatory and legal repercussions, including the following:

  • Notice
    OSHA inspectors may send notices to warn companies that are not compliant with mandatory signage and environmental control regulations
  • Fines
    Heavy fines can be imposed on companies that are found to be seriously violating the laws
  • Revoked license
    A company can have its license revoked and its business shut down if found to be repeatedly and willfully violate OSHA, ANSI, and other regulatory agents’ mandates
  • Criminal prosecution
    This is the most extreme OSHA penalty and is charged when an employer is considered to have willfully neglected safety standards, leading to a worker’s death

Preventive measure
Safety and security signs can act as a preventive measure at workplaces with hazardous areas and dangerous chemicals’ usage. These signs advise workers to take action to avoid a particular risk. For example, a sign can advise workers to wear safety goggles to dodge flying chips or wear gloves to prevent the skin from coming in contact with harmful chemicals. Some signs are used to convey that a particular area has restricted access (only for employees). Such signs are meant to keep customers from entering areas with equipment or machinery.

The importance of safety and security signs cannot be understated, and they should be considered an important part of an organization’s safety program. Complying with OSHA and ANSI signage standards also helps your business communicate its value for the employees, supporting safe and secure jobs.

Related Questions

Q1 : What is the importance of a safety sign and why is it mandatory?

Mandatory safety signs are used to show actions or behaviors that are to be implemented within a workplace or area of public access to comply with relevant health and safety regulations. They are considered the 'must do' of safety signs.

Q2 : What are the key components or elements of a safety sign?

There are four regulated safety sign elements that must be present in order meet OSHA standards for accident prevention signs. When creating safety signage for your facility it's important to include all four elements as a baseline for compliance.

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  • Types of safety and security signs
    Types of safety and security signs

    A safety or security sign is a graphical representation of hazards and mandatory behavior/actions to avoid them. You would have come across several types of these signs at your workplace, restaurant, shopping mall, or any other public place. Not all signs are made the same; each one has a particular purpose and conveys a specific message. This article lists some of the common types of safety and security signs.

    • Prohibition signs
      As the name suggests, these signs are used to prohibit people from doing something or entering a particular area. In most cases, these signs constitute a red circle with a diagonal line through it. The “No Smoking” sign is one of the most common examples of a prohibition sign.
    • Emergency signs
      These safety and security signs come in handy during an emergency as they indicate emergency exits, escape routes, first aid equipment, or other safety equipment. Under a situation like a fire in a building, residents can find their way to emergency-related facilities or evacuate the area using fire exits and fire doors with the help of these signs.
    • Danger signs
      In certain industrial areas, not taking proper precautions can lead to life-threatening repercussions. Danger signs are used to represent potentially hazardous areas or conditions. The “RESTRICTED AREA” and “HIGH VOLTAGE” signs are some of the most commonly used danger signs that keep people away from potential hazards and prevent mishaps.
    • Notice signs
      These safety and security signs mandate a particular behavior and are generally blue in color, with the text/symbol mentioned in a white foreground. They can be used to deter theft and inform workers of the policies at a construction site, communicate product safety information, or inform people that they are subject to a security check before entering the premises, among other things.
    • Warning signs
      Warning signs are used in cases where a hazardous condition can be dangerous but not life-threatening. They are represented mostly with yellow color and a hazard symbol, or they may come with an orange rectangle and black letters on it. They can be used to warn people of high voltage areas, electrical hazards, or risks at construction sites. These safety signs are also used to indicate hazards that can lead to health complications.

    You can also get customized safety and security signs designed for your workplace, but ensure that the message is concise and clear, install it correctly for effective communication, and ensure that the employees understand what a symbol means.

  • 5 tips to use safety and security signs effectively
    5 tips to use safety and security signs effectively

    Safety and security signs are a simple yet effective method of warning people about a mandate, danger, or risk. They are essential parts of a safety program at a workplace, but incorrect usage can make them ineffective. So, you need to design and install them correctly to ensure that the intended message is conveyed at the very first glance. Keep these tips in mind to use safety and security signs effectively:

    • Take an overview of your setting
      Whether you’re getting a safety or security sign constructed for your workplace or home, account for all the potential risks and hazards. You can also consult other members or colleagues to help identify hazards that are unexpected or not obvious.
    • Place the signs at the right place
      Safety and security signs should be placed at the appropriate places so that they are clearly visible and easily draw attention. For instance, a sign should be kept at a safe distance from the hazard where everyone can see it. You should also ensure that the sign is not obstructed in any way and use reflective tape to ensure that it can be seen in low-light conditions.
    • Use easily recognizable graphics
      A safety or security sign should be represented in such a manner that it is recognizable and understood at a glance. The language and diagrams used on a sign should also be easily interpreted by everyone. Pictographs that graphically warn people of dangers should be used on these signs, and you can also take steps to ensure that all workers understand their meaning.
    • Ensure that the messages are clear
      A safety or security sign should put forth the intended message clearly. A sign should state the action that needs to be taken, like “Keep Clear” or “Do Not Operate.” Additionally, it should use precise language and a vivid image to communicate the message.
    • Conduct a mock drill
      While a well-designed and strategically placed sign is enough to communicate the message, it is advisable to assemble the workplace staff and conduct a brief mock drill to explain what each safety or security sign intends to convey. You can also guide them on what precautions they should take to avoid any hazards.

    These tips can be used as a ready reference while getting and installing safety and security signs. While these signs do not remove the risk, they help minimize it and provide advice on the steps to be taken.