READ THE SIGNS

When do people pay the most attention to signs? It seems to be while driving a car! Have you ever wondered why? Most likely, it’s because signs are the simplest way to direct, instruct, and warn people. During your commute to the jobsite today, did you notice all the signs along the way? “You'll need to detour on this road,” one tells you. “Slow down, you’re driving too fast!” another advises. “Watch out for that bump,” you are warned.

Road and travel indicators aren’t the only signs that direct, instruct, and warn. Safety signs in the workplace serve the same purpose. Just as it is dangerous to ignore road signs, it is dangerous to ignore workplace safety signs. These messages are in place to prevent accidents and injuries, alerting employees to potential hazards on the job.

But, as on the roadway, workplace signs have different meanings. Let’s take a look at some of the more common signs, their colors, and what those colors symbolize:

• DANGER: Red background. Warns of immediate danger. Failure to comply could result in serious injury or death.

• CAUTION: Yellow background. Warns of potential hazards and instructs employees to take measures to protect themselves.

• WARNING: Orange background. Indicates immediate danger or the potential for serious injury or death if not obeyed.

• BIOHAZARD: Fluorescent orange or orange-red background. Indicates the presence of infectious biological material.

• SAFETY INSTRUCTION: Green, white, and black background. Provides directions for safe procedures.

Correct placement of signs also adds to their effectiveness. Workplace safety signs should be placed as close to the hazard as possible. In some cases, a pre-warning system is effective—using several signs placed progressively closer to the hazard before employees approach the actual danger.

Unfortunately, safety journals are filled with stories of people who were seriously injured or killed because they failed to observe workplace safety signage. While it may be your employer’s responsibility to make sure signs are in place, it is up to you to read and obey them. Ignoring these signs can have serious consequences.