Health and safety signage is part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) "warning devices" category. Signs are used to communicate information, hazards and dangers to others, usually employees. Many informational, warning and caution signs are required by federal law and are available from OSHA and many other sign manufacturers.
Types
Types of health and safety signs used in the workplace vary in size and shape. Posters and plastic signs are the most common type of sign. Temporary barricades and other visual aids (orange cones) also fall under signage. Mechanical equipment and machines can have warning tags attached to them such as a "Do Not Operate" tag. Flexible plastic utility markers are used to show where there are underground hazards such as a gas line.
Purpose
The purpose of health and safety signage goes beyond meeting OSHA requirements. It is to communicate information and make people aware of hazards and dangers in a specific area or piece of equipment. Health and safety signs can be seen in the workplace as well as other public and community places.
Communication is Key
Communicating is the primary purpose of health and safety signage, so it is essential that signs use simple language that are clear and easy to understand. Often, symbols are used instead of words to ensure that safety is not jeopardized because of language barriers or reading abilities of employees.
Considerations
Placing warning and hazard signs is not the only strategy to mitigating hazards in the workplace. Employees must be trained on the hazards that they will encounter, enabling them to recognize and understand the danger before entering the area or using the equipment. Employees should be trained to seek out a supervisor if they do not understand or recognize the hazards.
Do not use too many signs or leave unnecessary signs posted. Use them where necessary and remove them when they are not longer required. Having too many signs posted may cause employees to develop complacency.
OSHA Requirements
OSHA has several requirements regarding health and safety signage. An OSHA Job Safety, emergency phone numbers and Health Protection Poster and Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A) should be placed in a conspicuous place for all employees to read. Standard building safety signs such as exit signs and room capacity signs shall be placed where needed.
Signs that warn employees and others of biohazards, radiation hazards, machine hazards, etc., are also required where needed. Where employees could be exposed to hazardous materials, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be posted or made easily available to the employees. OSHA can inspect and issue fines as high as $7,000 (per infraction) for not complying with federal regulations.
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