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Safety Training Signs

Safety signs fall into the "Warning Devices" category of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Signs are primarily used to communicate with others about the dangers or hazards of an area and are required by OSHA in the workplace environment.

  1. Purpose

    • Safety signs are used to help keep people aware of the hazards around them and to keep people safe from injury by communicating the hazard to them before they get to an area, enter a space, or turn on a piece of machinery, for example. There are a variety of these signs and they come in all shapes and sizes. You will see safety signs in the community, the workplace and other public venues.

    Types

    • There are a variety of sign types available for use in the workplace. Traffic signs, directional signs, danger signs, caution signs, exit signs and safety instruction signs are some of the many typical signs found in a workplace. There are also tags available that can be affixed to equipment or machinery to warn a potential user of a hazard. Utility poles are used to mark underground lines to prevent accidental cutting form digging, for example.

    Communication

    • The language used on signs is intentionally simple for clarity and ease of understanding. Symbols are often used in lieu of words to ensure that individuals with poor reading skills or language barriers understand the hazards associated with the sign. Signs and other warning devices are most effective when they are clear and understandable. Everyone in a workplace should understand what the signs look like.

    Laws

    • OSHA requires that a general OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection Poster be displayed in a prominent location where all employees are likely to see it. Signs concerning exit routes, room capacities, biohazards, radiation hazards, machine hazards, for instance, are also requirements. Violating OSHA safety sign posting requirements can bring a penalty of $7,000 to your company (for each infraction).

    Related OSHA Requirements

    • There are a number of other signs that are required by OSHA, thereby being a safety-related sign. The Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A) is required to be posted during the required months. Emergency phone numbers need to be posted in a conspicuous and place. When employees are exposed or may be exposed to harmful, toxic or hazardous materials, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDs) must be posted or made readily available when required.

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