In the occupational health and safety sector, workplace safety signs play a major role. Since these signs indicate safety messages and actions that people should follow, they are able to help minimise the rate of injuries and deaths in construction sites and other business and industrial facilities. They are usually printed with plain symbols, plain text, or a combination of both to provide information about the potential hazards found around the premises.
Workplace safety signs are categorised according to different functions. Colours, shapes, symbols, and text all represent specific messages and requirements so it is vital for people to familiarise themselves with all these. Everyone should be aware that a blue circle means a mandatory action. For example, the blue circle drawn with a pair of gloves implies that people should wear their hand protective gear to avoid injuries. Aside from that, people should also know what an outlined red circle with a diagonal line crossed through it means. They need to understand that they are prohibited from doing certain actions when they see this type of sign. Once the workers, visitors, and the general public have become orientated with the types of workplace safety signs, it becomes easy for employers to maintain a less risky working environment.
The effectiveness of workplace safety signs is not guaranteed at all times, however. Despite the fact that the signs serve as warnings and reminders to everyone, employers should not solely rely on these safety tools. They should still have a comprehensive OHS programme that tackles about all aspects of hazard and safety in the workplace.
