They might not be exciting or high tech, but safety signs in the workplace can be worth their weight in gold.
A recent article summarized the role of signage in reducing injuries and overcoming communication barriers. For additional guidance on good practices, see Importance of Workplace Safety Signs.
Of course, even the best signs won't help if they are poorly designed or improperly used. Although OSHA often refers to ANSI standards for common signs such as EXIT or CAUTION, the specific design and placement of every workplace sign is usually left to employers.
Effective safety signage program
Visibility. Signs can't do any good if people can't see them. Check bulletin boards and equipment for signs that are obscured, faded, or poorly placed. Use high-contrast color combinations and borders to improve visibility from a distance.
Noticeability. Shape and color help a sign stand out—many people recognize a stop or yield shape without reading it. Perpendicular mounting and distinctive sign shapes can draw attention to special hazards.
Legibility. Type size, spacing, and color choices affect how quickly people read and remember a message. Printing a message with a second color can improve retention significantly.
Durability. Choose materials that withstand heat, humidity, chemicals, and other site conditions; avoid cardboard where metal, plastic, or laminates are required.
Even when signs meet design criteria, they must be posted and maintained properly to remain effective. Employers should periodically inspect signage for damage or obstructions and replace worn signs promptly.
Sign programs are also one part of broader workplace safety and compliance efforts; for connections between signage and workplace risk management, see Workers' Compensation Insurance and Workplace Safety.
If you need help documenting signage programs or understanding insurance implications, talk to your agent about next steps for compliance and risk reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place safety signs so employees will see them?
Place signs at eye level in clear sight lines, near the hazard or decision point, and use multiple signs if needed for different approaches or shifts.
Do workplace signs have to follow ANSI or OSHA rules?
OSHA often references ANSI design standards for common signs, but exact requirements can vary; follow recognized standards and your employer policies to ensure consistency.
How often should signs be inspected or replaced?
Inspect signs during regular safety rounds and replace them when they are faded, damaged, or obscured; frequency depends on the work environment and exposure conditions.
Can pictograms help when employees have different language skills?
Yes. Clear pictograms and simple, well-placed symbols improve comprehension across language and literacy differences and reduce reliance on text alone.