It is understandable by most that site safety signs form an integral part of any business, but not everyone is actually aware of the reasons for them and how they benefit everyone. The effectiveness of safety protocols in the workplace is dependent on the ability to communicate them clearly to everyone. Without knowledge of what safety measures to abide by, the workers, and everyone concerned, is at risk.
The Importance of Site Safety Signs
There are several reasons why site safety signs are important.
For a site safety sign to be effective, it needs to be targeted towards the particular safety aspect. It needs to be visually catching enough to be able to see it properly and be presented in such a way that seeing it is immediate and unmissable.
The image displayed on the sign should also be clear and to the point, with perhaps a short written instruction in some cases. Site safety signs will also be colour coordinated so there is no possibility of misunderstanding or error.
From the sign, it should be clear whether the worker is entering a high-risk area or whether they need to take any special precautions in that particular area.
Site safety signs will supplement the safety protocols of the business and serve as clear reminders of important aspects of safety that need to be adhered to.
The importance of clear communication of safety protocols is particularly important where the workforce may be diverse and not speak the native language, or in environments where it is too loud to hear any verbal safety instruction.
Site safety signs not only can serve as a warning for workers to take care, but can also be used as an opportunity to direct how the employee should behave in a high-risk environment.
Site safety signs can be used for all manner of hazards and instructions, including fundamental rules and policies, alerts for where the first aid box is kept as well as fire extinguishers and other important equipment.
Depending on the nature of the business, hazards can pose the same risk to members of the public as they could to a workforce. These instances could typically occur at a construction site, where members of the public may pass through the area. The difference in this regard is that the members of the public will not have had the same safety training as the construction workforce, and they may not know what to do. It is for this reason as well that site safety signs be clear, visible, and understandable.
Site safety signs used in this way can alert the public of the presence of hazards in the environment, helping them to be more cautious when in a particular area. Examples of signs that are typically used to alert the public of safety hazards include signs for dangerous machinery, loud noises, slippery surfaces, falling objects, or signs informing the public to avoid a certain area.
Some businesses also create their own site safety signs that are specific to their particular industry and business. Those who are responsible for safety protocols may not always be available and this is where proper site safety signs will assist in reminding workers, and give them guidance on what the right safety measures are.
Site safety signs play a pivotal role in a strong health and safety culture at a business, and have been proven to be beneficial in protecting people from hazards.
Inadequate site safety signage could lead to workforce absence and have the effect of lowering productivity and morale in the work environment. The opposite is also true in that workplaces that do make use of site safety signs tend to have higher levels of productivity among employees and a better sense of trust and morale among the workforce, with less absenteeism.
To make sure that your work environment is equipped with all the necessary site safety signs, contact Sure Signs today to speak to one of their friendly consultants.