Safety is serious business and warning signs are items we design & produce.
Safety signs in the workplace are used to make sure everyone is aware of potential hazards and are fully equipped to handle an emergency. Whether your workplace is a warehouse, store, office, or other location, this communication is essential.
If you are in a busy downtown area, like us - crosswalk safety signs are a must!
Signs are always USA Made!
Let's walk through popular safety signs. You probably have heard of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), with rules around promoting safety in the workplace.
Type of Sign | Required Appearance | When To Use It |
Danger | Red, white, and black | Often preceded by a caution symbol to indicate that death/serious injury is almost certain to occur if the hazard is not avoided |
Warning | Orange with black letters | Often preceded by a caution symbol to describe a hazard that may result in death/serious injury, but where the overall risk is not severe enough to need a danger sign |
Caution | Yellow with black letters | Often preceded by a caution symbol to indicate that a hazard may result in minor to moderate injuries and to caution against unsafe actions |
Fire Safety | Red with white letters | Signifies the location of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire exits |
General Safety | Green with white letters | To offer broad safety-related messages, typically relating to health, medical equipment, sanitation, first aid, housekeeping, and other general safety measures |
Notice | Blue with white letters | To communicate general information about a machine, building, area, or piece of equipment, and to outline procedures, maintenance information, instructions, rules, occupancy restrictions, and other directions unrelated to personal injuries |
Tip: Start by figuring out where those "out of the ordinary, unexpected or not readily apparent" hazards are in and around your facility
Here are different types of hazards to look out for:
Dangerous machinery or moving vehicles
Areas with a risk of falling objects
Uneven or slippery surfaces
Sources of extreme heat, open flames, or flammable material
Toxic or caustic chemicals
Electrical or high voltage hazards
Potentially dangerous fumes or a lack of breathable air
Sharp objects
Additional types of safety signs you may need to communicate important information:
Signs marking fire escape routes, fire exit locations, and fire equipment
Reminders to wear appropriate safety gear (such as face masks)
Location markers for first aid kits and emergency equipment such as an eye wash station
Signs highlighting prohibited behaviors like smoking or unauthorized access
Now that you’ve identified all the hazards that could warrant a safety sign, decide on which hazards should get a safety sign. Posting too many signs is a common pitfall - too many can be overwhelming, and the safety component will be lost.
Read to design some visual communications?
Let's collaborate and design. The A frame sign featured here is one of our designs.
Safety first!
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