How to Comply with Safety Signage Requirements

Occupational safety is of the utmost importance, and safety signage requirements are designed to promote safety among employees and visitors alike.  

Proper signage can prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace, cut down on emergencies, and even prevent deaths. Unfortunately, many businesses take a reactive approach to installing safety signs, favoring to implement safety measures after an incident has occurred.  

Beyond accident prevention, being proactive about installing safety signs reduces insurance costs, engages workers, and gives everyone a greater sense of social responsibility.  

We’ll discuss what you need to know about compliance with safety signage including requirements from OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requirements, hazard classifications, and placement.  

Safety Signs Improve Workplace Safety 

The proper sign in an appropriate location at the right time reduces the chance of serious injury or illness in the workplace. When workers and others clearly understand there is a clear and present danger, they can respond quickly and appropriately.  

The types of safety signs a business needs are dependent on the type of industry and business environment. A challenge with safety signage is not all workers have the same capacity for literacy. Furthermore, some workers may not speak English as their first language or may not speak English at all.

For these reasons, it’s important to consider whether safety signs should have pictures only or wording in more than one language. Sign makers are generally quite accommodating when it comes to creating customized signs for commercial workspaces. 

The most effective safety signs are those people can easily read from a distance. Some of the more common types of safety signs for workplaces include:  

• Traffic control signs – To safely control traffic indoors and outdoors (vehicles, forklifts, etc.) 
• Security signs – To secure areas unsafe areas for certain people or employees 
• Rule reminders – Smoking areas, not using cell phones 

The American Society of Safety Professionals offers three valuable tips for using signage to improve workplace safety including: 

1. Communicate safety to employees 
2. Place safety signs in an appropriate location 
3. Avoid mixed messages (conflicting signage) 

Safety rules and regulations stand as guides for how business owners can make improvements to the work environment, along with a good dose of common sense. For more information, the National Safety Council also provides a wealth of information on workplace safety.  

What Are the Rules and Regulations for Safety Signage? 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) OSHA sets the standards for safe sign usage. Here is a snippet of some of the more important points: 

• Signs should have smooth, rounded edges. 
• Bolts and fasteners should be smooth and not protrude. 
• Signs should be legible at least five feet away. 

• Signs should be concise and easy to read. 
• Signs should contain a signal word and a major message which may include a graphic (biohazard along with the biohazard symbol). 
• Signs should have a positive message (place trash here versus don’t throw trash on the ground). 
• Employers should educate workers on what signs mean and what precautions they need to take. 

In addition to the wording, consider the hazard classification and color of your sign to quickly warn employees and visitors of potential danger.  

Understanding Hazard Classifications 

OSHA has set standards for safety signage to alert the general population about the seriousness of a hazard.  

Certain signs are posted for general safety or information such as admittance, restroom signs, and open/closed signs. These types of signs are generally green or blue.  

OSHA classifies hazards for safety signs in the following three ways: 

1. Caution – Potential danger (usually yellow) 
2. Warning – Between potential danger and immediate danger (usually orange) 
3. Danger – Immediate danger (usually bright red) 

Red signs should be used in areas where there is the potential for serious injury or death. For example, fire safety signs are always bright red.  

Overall, the goal of safety signage is to warn people of potential danger clearly and concisely, and in sufficient time so they can make a safe and wise choice.  

Safety Signs: Placement 

OSHA recommends businesses place signs where workers and others can see them from a safe distance. For example, a “wet floor” sign would be yellow to indicate caution, and the best placement for it is around the wet area, so people see the sign before slipping on the wet floor.  

Adding to that, businesses should choose a visible placement where the sign itself does not create the potential for a trip and fall hazard.  

Safety Signage Supplements Safety Policies 

Safety signage in a commercial business enhances the message your company sends to its employees through its safety policies and procedures.  

Be sure to inspect the work environment regularly for hazards and take action to rectify problems. Train all workers in safe equipment operation and other safety protocols. Lastly, consider forming a safety committee that includes safety experts, managers, and employees to help maintain a safe working environment at all times. 

Free Guide: Best practices to minimize workers' comp costs and increase profits

Leap | Carpenter | Kemps Insurance Agency Can Help

Accidents can happen even when your company is diligent about providing and maintaining a safe work environment. General liability, occupational accident insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance protect you against liability when someone gets hurt or becomes ill.  

Contact one of our expert agents at Leap Carpenter Kemp to learn more about how to protect against the unique risks your company faces at 309-384-0727.