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.

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.