Safety Signs

Warn others with caution signs

Accidents are defined as unexpected occurrences without intentional cause. Yet, there are many who think that the overwhelming majority of these incidents are totally preventable, and visual warning signs are an effective way to reduce workplace accidents. Every day, injuries and fatalities occur at workplaces and construction sites, in neighborhoods and public buildings—all due to inadequate accident prevention measures. These incidents cost millions of dollars in legal and medical expenses, both for victims as well as property owners and employers.

Health and safety signs efficiently provide instant notification about problems such as wet floors, gas leaks, electrical hazards and unclearly marked exits. It is especially important for employers and owners of public buildings to identify potential hazards and set up safety signs where necessary, including caution signs, exit signs and wet floor signs.

Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) issue standard formats for various types of safety signs. These formats combine specific colors, shapes, symbols, words and pictures that convey essential information, making safety signs readable even by people with flawed vision, color blindness or a language barrier. For example, danger signs are used to identify immediate hazards, such as chemical spills or weak flooring, and must include a red banner in addition to the written warning. Yellow caution signs indicate a possible safety risk, while the red octagonal shape is required for stop signs. Other traffic signs utilize arrows and figures to reduce traffic accidents. Larger signs can be mounted to posts and held in place using sand bags, if you need to erect them at a temporary site.

Safety signs are not only beneficial for pointing out hazards – they also inform individuals about the proper action to take in a given situation. Thus, safety signs allow rules to be established and maintained whether or not an authority figure is present. Accident prevention signs can be purchased from local stores or in bulk quantities from online providers. Many online sites also offer free printable versions of safety signs as a less expensive option.

Why Are Safety Signs Essential for Accident Prevention?

  • The use of accident prevention signs has contributed to a 78 percent decrease in workplace fatalities since the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
  • Safety signs use recognizable formats – incorporating familiar colors, shapes and symbols – to communicate dangers even when there are language barriers or vision complications.

Things to Consider When Buying Safety Signs

  • What types of safety signs are required to address potential accidents in the target location?
  • Do the safety signs comply with ANSI or OSHA standards for accident prevention?
  • Is the sign large enough to provide an adequate warning?

Top Websites for Safety Signs

  • MySafetySign.com
  • Compliancesigns.com
  • SafetySigns.com