Aiming to create the safest, most modern, and most OHS-compliant worksite there is?
There has been a significant emphasis on occupational health and safety in recent years in Australia. This should be viewed as beneficial and not as a hassle – as there is nothing more important than safety in the workplace.
One such way to create a safer work environment is by implementing safety signs in Australia. These signs ensure that workers are aware of the dangers, risks, and hazards imposed and how to mitigate them.
How do I make my workplace safer?
If you are an owner or manager, the safety of your employees, contractors, and customers is your priority.
Having a deep understanding of the practices, risks, and actions in your workplace is critical in identifying hazards and implementing tactics in order to minimise associated dangers.
There are steps to take to ensure your workplace is as safe as it can be.
Step 1: identify risks
Every workplace contains some degree of risk.
Risks can be categorised as low-risk, from tripping hazards due to computer cords, and can become more severe, such as:
- Chemical hazards
- Machinery hazards
- Ergonomic hazards
- Fire hazards
By assessing risks, you can take initial steps to remove them.
In many cases, risks cannot be entirely removed – which leads us to step 2…
Step 2: raise awareness and ensure open communication
Inform your staff of risks that are present in the workforce. This may be by way of a formal manual, information sheets, safety signage, and regular meetings.
Figure out a way to mitigate the present dangers and always inform new team members of the risks during their induction.
Another large part of this is consistently monitoring and identifying new, emerging, or growing risks as your workplace evolves.
Encourage a two-way dialogue with your team, asking for input and feedback of any concerns they may have about any sort of workplace operation or system.
Step 3: implement safety signage
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce or avoid risk in the workplace is with safety signage.
From mandatory instructions concerning protective gear to warnings about corrosive materials, safety signs are found throughout commercial operations.
Their purpose is to alert users, employees, and guests of any hazards they may face, offering clear and simple instructions, and overall, creating a safer workplace.
As you can see, the importance of safety signs cannot be overstated!
Step 4: integrate health and safety software
Most organisations will have an OHS system in place, whether that be an old, manual process or a modern, digital platform, but it’s clear to see why the latter is the winner.
Digital OHS software gives you and your staff universal access to historical risks, graphs, and trends.
This can help you record all risks and accidents which will make your workplace legally compliant and will also help to reduce accidents over time.
Construction site health and safety message rules sign board signage on fence boundary
Why is signage important in the workplace?
Safety signage directs workers to instructions on how to behave in potentially dangerous situations. This way, they avoid risks and remain safe.
By looking at an example from each major category of signage, we break down why each type of sign is essential and how each is used.
What are the safety hazard signs used in a workplace?
These are perhaps the most common types of safety hazard signs used in workplaces all across Australia.
Danger signs
Danger signs inform anyone present in your worksite of a danger close by. They are a quick and effective way of alerting your team to a risk to avoid them.
Traffic and transport signs
From customer car parks to logistic divisions of a busy workplace – you need traffic signs to maintain road safety when people park, stand, and drive.
EIP signs
Emergency information panels (EIPs) are signs on containers or transportation vehicles that carry dangerous chemicals.
By following Hazchem code in Australia, these signs clearly identify the type of material, its class, and other critical safety information.
This information can assist people like paramedics and police officers helping on-site in cases where an accident has occurred.
Mandatory signs
Mandatory signs give clear and critical instructions on an action that must be taken in order to avoid risk or danger.
What are prohibition signs?
Consider prohibition sort of the opposite of a mandatory sign – instead of telling a user what they must do, prohibition signs quickly and clearly community actions or items that are not allowed.
For example, the prohibition sign “NO THONGS ALLOWED” could be thought of as the ‘opposite’ of the mandatory sign that instructs “FOOT PROTECTION MUST BE WORN”.
Hazard signs
What do hazard signs mean?
Workplace hazard signs, also known as caution signs, direct attention to toxic chemicals or other dangerous materials, such as asbestos or radiation. They can also warn you of wet surfaces, fire risks, or high voltage.
These signs help people to avoid coming into contact with serious danger.
Where can I purchase safety signs for my workplace?
Signsmart is the name to remember when it comes to smart safety signage for your workplace!
Our range of safety signs online help businesses all over Australia remain compliant and protect their workers.
From hazardous material signs to mandatory signs, our online store is filled with a huge range of high-quality signs.
Shop online now or speak to a team member on (03) 9687 3050.
Need custom made safety signs? Contact us today and we’ll help you create the right custom sign for your workplace!
