What are some of the unheralded ways that safety signs promote a safe, compliant work environment?
Responding is Paul Schneeberger, product manager, Brady Corp., Buffalo, NY.
If you look around any workplace, you’re likely to see safety signs warning employees of the various hazards they face every day. Although they may seem like a simple fixture, safety signs are the main driver of safety culture. They show that the employer cares about their employees’ well-being. Without safety signs and procedures, there’s a lack of organization, which leads to unsafe practices in the workplace.
And with OSHA increasing its maximum and minimum penalties by 2.6% this year, just a few improperly marked hazards can add up to thousands of dollars in fines – not to mention the risks to your employees.
Shape a safety-first culture
Safety signs are visual communicators that actively shape an organization’s safety culture. By consistently reinforcing requirements for personal protective equipment, safe practices and proper procedures, signs make safety an ingrained part of the work environment – not just an occasional consideration. This constant, repetitive exposure helps make safe behaviors second nature.
When employees see a consistent and well-maintained system of signs, they’re more likely to notice when procedures aren’t being followed, which can lead to rapid corrections and a more vigilant workforce. Reinforcing that employee well-being is a top priority can also improve morale and build trust.
Change behavior through psychology
Properly designed safety signs are built on principles of behavioral psychology to help people process information quickly and instinctively. They’re designed to reduce cognitive load, which is the amount of mental effort required to understand information and take action.
Simple, clear symbols and standardized color-coding (red for danger, yellow for caution, etc.) reduce the amount of “thinking” needed to react to a potential hazard, allowing for a faster, more instinctual response.
And by following ANSI Z535 guidelines on colors, symbols and formatting, you can comply with industry standards and further reinforce quick recognition.
Signs also inform employees where they can find safety equipment in your facility. For example, clear signage directing people to fire extinguishers or eyewash stations can save crucial seconds in a high-stress situation by training employees to know exactly where to look for help.
Foster universal communication
In a diverse workplace, a safety sign must transcend language barriers. The use of universally understood visual aids, or pictograms, helps to level out understanding across a workforce with varying language proficiencies.
These visual cues are a language-agnostic tool that ensures everyone, including untrained visitors, can quickly and accurately process safety information.
Highlight non-obvious and moving hazards
Beyond alerting workers to obvious risks, safety signs are essential for preventing “incidents before they happen” by highlighting non-obvious hazards. They can warn of dangers that aren’t immediately visible, such as high voltage, chemical risks or even a wet floor from a leaking ice machine.
Furthermore, signs play a vital role in traffic management within a facility. They signify where vehicle operators should pay special attention to pedestrian traffic and where pedestrians should be especially vigilant for vehicles. This clear communication helps to prevent collisions and maintain a safe, orderly flow of people and equipment.
McCraren Compliance offers comprehensive safety training to help prevent accidents. Visit our class calendar to see how our training and consulting services can enhance your safety efforts.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication