As I was doing some reading this week, I ran across some observations a person had made about how wonderful things were in the good ole days. Kids could play in the gravel pile and if they fell or skinned a knee you went home, mom fixed it and you went about your business. We didn’t need someone to tell us put on our boots if it was wet out. Germs were everywhere, but we didn’t seem to mind. Nor did we get as sick as we do today. If we were doing work that might harm our hands, we put gloves on to protect our hands.
If you own a warehouse and everyone is aware fork lifts are present, should you have to post a forklift safety sign? Times have changed. And the answer is yes.
Proper Workplace Signage
In general, people today do not have to take responsibility for their actions – there are many lawyers in our world who make sure that happens. Your employees are not necessarily responsible for maintaining good common sense! Unfortunately, according to the law, we have to take that responsibility.
Without signs in the proper areas, you as an employer could be liable for a number of injuries.
Whether you’re in a warehouse or on a job site, here are 12 types of signage you MUST have on your job site (if applicable):
- Glove Protection
- Eye Protection
- Other Protective Equipment (ears, boots, hard hat, etc…)
- Hazardous or Flammable Materials
- Directions to First-Aid Stations
- Falling Objects Warnings
- Fall Protection (Fall Hazard)
- Load Capacity
- Battery Charging Areas
- Reminders to wash hands
- Low Clearance
- Confined Space
Take the time to tour your facility and make sure all the proper signage is in place. It’s a small cost to protect you and your company.
