Important workplace signage includes prohibition, warning, mandatory, and emergency signs that alert employees to hazards, require certain actions, and guide them during emergencies. Effective signs are visible, clear, durable, and placed strategically to prevent accidents and ensure safety compliance.
Types of important signage
Prohibition signs:
Indicate actions that are not allowed. These often use a red circle with a diagonal line through it to show “no” or “stop”.
Warning signs:
Alert employees to potential hazards. They are often yellow or amber and use symbols or text to warn of risks like slippery floors or moving machinery.
Mandatory signs:
Inform employees that a specific action is required. They typically have a blue circle and include instructions like “wear eye protection” or “wear a hard hat”.
Emergency and safety signs:
Provide critical information during an emergency. This includes signs for emergency exits, assembly points, first-aid stations, fire extinguishers, and eye wash stations.
Danger signs:
Indicate an imminent and life-threatening hazard. These are often red and black to highlight a “danger” that could lead to serious injury or death.
Characteristics of effective signage
Visibility:
Signs must be easily seen from a distance, placed at eye level (usually 5-6 feet from the floor), and be visible in all lighting conditions.
Clarity:
They should use universally recognized symbols and simple, concise text to convey messages quickly.
Placement:
Signs should be positioned before the hazard is encountered and at key decision points.
Durability:
Signs should be made of materials that can withstand wear, chemicals, and weather, and be kept clean and undamaged.
MBH/AB