Safety Signs

Workplace safety programs have many parts, all of which are important to keeping people safe on the job. Safety signs play a key role in many aspects of safety from notifying people of tripping hazards and PPE requirements to explaining arc flash and chemical hazards.

These signs must be noticeable, easy to read and comply with OSHA standards for safety signs in many cases. Since safety is a high priority for both 6S and 5S programs, taking the necessary steps to keep workers safe is key to a successful and productive business.

The Versatility of Safety Signs

Below you’ll find a variety of types of safety signs including floor and wall signs, labels, banners, and even virtual signs. Floor safety signs are built to endure forklift traffic, and are chemical, water, and UV-resistant. Wall signs are available in several materials, including PVC, aluminum, and adhesive-backed vinyl, so you can select the material that will work best in your facility.

These signs were made to meet the demanding needs of industrial environments and are made with the toughest material out there to ensure their longevity.

Where Safety Signs are Used

You’ll see safety signs just about everywhere you go. They exist in restaurants, farms, swimming pools, and countless more. Safety signs are essential for maintaining employees' and public health and safety. Without them, there is a severe lack of information about hazardous conditions. Especially if those hazards are not recognized immediately.

Reducing Hazardous Chemical Dangers with Safety Signs

Safety signs are a big part of hazardous chemical identification. In fact, GHS labels, HMIS, or NFPA diamonds are excellent examples of chemical safety. Providing your employees with a quantity of information on safety signs and labels is imperative for performing daily tasks.

 

Types of  Safety Signs and What They Mean

Workplace health & safety signs communicate important information about hazards. Common hazard warning signs include:

• Danger signs

• Warning signs

• Caution signs

• Prohibitory Signs

• Mandatory Signs

Danger Signs:

Danger signs are designed to alert individuals to the presence of an immediate and severe hazard that could result in serious injury or death. These signs typically feature bold red, black, and white colors, ensuring they stand out in any environment. Commonly found in industrial settings, construction zones, and areas with high-risk machinery, danger signs communicate critical messages like "High Voltage," "Confined Space," or "Explosive Materials." Their purpose is to prevent accidents by ensuring individuals are fully aware of the extreme risks present.

Warning Signs

Warning signs indicate potential hazards that, while serious, may not be immediately life-threatening. These signs are often yellow with black text or symbols, making them easily recognizable from a distance. They are commonly used in workplaces, roadways, and public areas to signal hazards such as "Slippery When Wet," "Sharp Curve Ahead," or "Biohazard Area." Unlike danger signs, which denote the most extreme threats, warning signs provide an alert that encourages heightened awareness and caution to avoid injury.

Caution Signs

Caution signs serve as a general alert to potential hazards that could cause minor to moderate injuries. These signs, usually yellow with black text, help people take preventive measures in everyday situations. You might see caution signs in workplaces warning of "Low Clearance," "Wet Floor," or "Uneven Surface." While the risk level is lower than that of danger or warning signs, failing to heed caution signs can still result in harm, making them an essential part of safety communication.

Prohibitory Signs

Prohibitory signs are used to explicitly forbid certain actions that could lead to danger, disruption, or rule violations. These signs typically feature a red circle with a diagonal slash over a black symbol, making their message clear and universal. Examples include "No Smoking," "No Entry," and "No Parking." By enforcing specific restrictions, prohibitory signs help maintain order and safety in public spaces, workplaces, and high-risk areas.

Mandatory Signs

Unlike prohibitory signs that tell people what not to do, mandatory signs instruct individuals on what actions they must take to ensure safety. These signs are usually blue with white symbols or text, providing clear directives such as "Wear Safety Goggles," "Use Hand Sanitizer," or "Hard Hat Required." They are commonly found in workplaces, construction sites, and health facilities, reinforcing necessary behaviors to minimize risks and promote a secure environment.

If a sign will help increase safety, it's worth having in the workplace. Businesses should remember, though, that if too many signs are present in an area, the important messages might get overlooked or diluted. First, achieve compliance with signs, make sure important information is emphasized, and then add signs as needed. Just don't overdo it.

 

Print Safety Signs In-House

As you can see from the categories on this page, many types and styles of safety signs exist. There are large floor signs and small labels. You can get durable wall signs or indestructible virtual signs. For workplaces that need many safety signs on walls, machines, doors, shelves, etc., printing them in-house can end up being the most economical and practical solution. A LabelTac® industrial label printer can create any type of safety label. Some models can even print larger signs and banners. Consider the demands of your labeling projects and browse in-house labeling options.