19 Apr Warning: Read The Signs!

Warning: Read the Signs!

Safety signs are one of the simplest and most effective ways to communicate hazards, provide instructions, and warn employees of dangerous conditions. Just as ignoring a traffic sign can lead to an accident, ignoring workplace signs can result in serious injury.

Signs are posted for a reason. Employees should recognize their meaning, follow their instructions, and never remove, cover, damage, or disregard required safety signage.

Guide for Discussion

Know What the Signs Mean

Workplace signs use specific words, colors, and symbols to communicate the type and severity of a hazard. Common examples include:

• DANGER – Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING – Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION – Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• BIOHAZARD – Identifies the actual or potential presence of a biological hazard and equipment, containers, rooms, or materials that may contain hazardous biological agents.
• SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – Provide general instructions or suggestions concerning safety measures.

Colors, symbols, and signal words help employees quickly recognize the type of message, but employees should always read the entire sign before proceeding.

Pay Attention to Posted Signs

Safety signs may identify hazards involving:

• Electrical equipment and energized components;
• Hazardous chemicals or materials;
• Moving equipment and machinery;
• Construction and work zones;
• Fall hazards and restricted areas;
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Flammable or combustible materials;
• Confined spaces;
• Biological hazards; and
• Emergency equipment and evacuation routes.

Never assume that a sign does not apply to you simply because you have performed the job before.

Sign Placement and Visibility

Signs should be positioned so employees have adequate warning before reaching the hazard. They should be visible, legible, and located where they are unlikely to be obscured or damaged.

Employees should:

• Never remove or relocate a safety sign unless authorized.
• Never cover signs with materials, equipment, vehicles, or supplies.
• Report missing, damaged, faded, or unreadable signs.
• Obey barricades, warning tape, tags, and restricted-area signs.
• Stop and ask a supervisor if the meaning of a sign or warning is unclear.

In some situations, advance warning signs may be necessary to alert employees before they reach the immediate hazard area.

Signs Do Not Replace Hazard Controls

A warning sign alerts you to a hazard—it does not eliminate the hazard. Required engineering controls, guards, barriers, safe work procedures, PPE, and other protective measures must still be used.

Remember

Safety signs provide important information that can prevent injuries and save lives. Take the time to notice them, understand what they mean, and follow their instructions. If a sign warns you of a hazard, get the message before proceeding.