In the past couple of years, there have been thousands of fatal workplace injuries. Hence, it is vital to take the necessary steps to improve workplace safety, and policy signboards are an ideal way to do so. These boards assure higher efficiency and better visual communication all throughout the facility. However, how can you make the most of the installed policy signboards? Let us find out. 

Examine potential hazards

First, you need to assess the possible hazards in the area where your workplace is situated. This includes the industrial and office areas and the location outside the central facility. Now, beyond the apparent hazards, you also need to identify unexpected risks, which may not be that obvious. Checking your establishment’s past injury records and gauging how physical tasks are carried out on a daily basis are two of the many ways to do so.

Opt for color coding and safety words

Color codes are an inseparable component of compliant policy signboards. It is because both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have designated specific colors for every kind of hazard. OSHA primarily needs three kinds of safety words—danger, warning, and caution.

The OSHA-compliant danger policy sign should have the word “danger” written in black font with a red background. Similarly, if it is a caution policy signboard, then it must have the word “caution” written in black letters with a yellow background. It is important to note that safety instruction signs may not come with pre-designed signal words.

Be careful with the placement and positioning 

Policy signboards need to be carefully positioned to ensure that they are legible even from a distance. Further, the placement should be such that it immediately attracts the attention of the intended person and makes them aware of any existing hazard. Hence, it is important to put proper thought into deciding the placement location of signboards around your facility. If needed, you may even have to reposition signs over time—especially when you make modifications or changes to them—in order to increase their usefulness and visibility.