Importance of Safety Symbols in the Workplace

When it comes to one’s medical well-being, prevention is better than a cure. That does not only apply to our health rather, it also remains true in regards to how we work. While there are cures for minor cuts and injuries, preventing them all together is the true goal.

Now how do we prevent injuries and illnesses from occurring? There are many steps and strategies that, when combined, can and do prevent injuries. One of the most simple and effective first steps is creating an impactful symbol system.

Why Use Safety Symbols at Work?

One of the main advantages of using an organized safety symbol system is that it’s universal and recognized across languages and levels of experience. Using images and symbols warns people of dangers faster and easier than words.

The basic use of safety symbols is to prevent people from getting into accidents. For instance, before moving forward, a “Falling Debris” sign would steer anyone away from the pathway where there is a risk of falling debris.

Inside a workplace, signs are also placed as reminders to workers of the hazards surrounding them. Despite the training that workers have, there may be times when they forget the immediate risks around their work. Using safety symbols and signs, they can be consistently reminded to take more precaution. Safety symbols can also be utilized in the workplace to inform people of certain dangers and how to avoid them.

Meaning of Safety Signs in the Workplace

RED – Means Danger Alarm/Prohibited. A red symbol indicates the need to avoid or otherwise evacuate a premise or any dangerous behavior within an area. Examples: Do Not Enter, Do Not Touch

YELLOW/AMBER – Means Warning. Anyone encountering a yellow symbol must take more precaution and be cautious as well as aware of the area or situation. Examples: General Warning, Magnetic Field, Electric Shock

BLUE – Means Mandatory. Any sign with Blue symbols dictates a specific safety behavior such as wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Examples: Wash Hands, Safety Glasses Required

GREEN – Means Emergency Escape. It also indicates no danger and first aid. Green signs can be placed on exit doors and escape routes. Examples: First Aid Kit, Eyewash Station, Emergency Exit

Tips on How to Make Your Safety Signage More Effective

In order for a safety sign to be effective, it needs to be in the right place and for the right reasons. Make sure that it is clear to all your employees what exactly is meant by the sign.

• Make the language simple, clear and standard. It must be understandable by the general public
• Make the signs stand out for easy recognition even from a good distance.
• Make the signs and their purpose known to your workers. Remind your workforce of the dangers associated with their work and make them aware of your safety symbols for warnings.
• Modify your signs to fit the needs of your workplace. It is important that your signs perfectly fit what you are trying to impart to the public. Some signs are made for general purpose. You can modify it based on the current situation of your workplace.
• Make sure your workers know how to react to safety signs. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen despite the available signs when workers are not aware of the steps they need to take.
• Implement a process to evaluate the effectiveness of your signs on a regular basis. Such reviews will help you assess if the signs are helpful or not and if they need to be changed.