Consider workplace safety signs as the first line of defense against hazardous situations.
Even with the use of workplace safety signs, one of the most commonly cited OSHA statistics claims that more than 4.1 million workers suffer serious job-related injury or illness every year. Based on this alarming figure, you may have questioned the importance of safety signs - since major injuries still occur in the workplace.
Although, all businesses are faced with different hazards, when it comes to injury and illness prevention they share one common objective – to keep workers safe. In fact, under the OSH law, employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace and to use color codes, posters, labels or signs to warn employees of potential hazards.
The truth is – the best way to put a stop to injuries occurring in the workplace is to post effective safety signs. The value of posting high-performance signage in proper places throughout the workplace or job site can’t be overstated. Read more about high-performance signage.
What are the safety sign requirements today?
Specifications for safety signs are spelled out in OSHA 191.145(a)(1) and indicate “...use of signs or symbols that indicate and, insofar as possible, define specific hazards that could harm workers or the public, or both, or to property damage. These specifications are intended to cover all safety signs except those designed for streets, highways, and railroads. These specifications do not apply to plant bulletin boards or to safety posters.”
“Signs and symbols required by this subpart shall be visible at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or covered promptly when the hazards no longer exist,” per OSHA 1926.200(a).
Under OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard, in addition to standard OSHA signs, organizations can now use either the ANSI Z35.1-1968 or ANSI Z535.2-2011, and ANSI Z35.2-1968 or Z535.5-2011, with respect to such additional rules.
OSHA classification of signs:
Next time you walk past a safety sign, take a moment to fully appreciate the message and understand the role it plays in preventing injuries and death.
With millions of positive coronavirus cases in America, this pandemic continues to change the world as we know it. New challenges to not only keep businesses, workers, customers, and the public safe but also to reduce the impact of COVID-19 are continuous reminders that we all have a significant role in preventing the spread of this virus.
To help your business, we created 800+ COVID-19 safety identification solutions.