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How to Use Safety Signs More Effectively

How to Use Safety Signs More Effectively

by Proforma Construction Inc, December 12, 2017

Learn how you can use safety signs as effectively as possible.

If you are involved in construction, you know that your line of work can be hazardous and risky to employees, clients, and even people who are simply passing by your building site.  One easy and affordable way of alerting these people to the dangers they face is through the use of safety signs.  Here are some tips from your experienced Pleasanton contractor to help you use safety signs as effectively as possible.

Where to Use Signs

Safety signs should be used in areas that:

  • Carry the risk of injury. Such areas include places with uneven ground or places where heavy objects could potentially fall.
  • Require the use of personal protection equipment (PPE). This applies to machines and areas where heavy machinery is being used.
  • Have hazards that might not be immediately visible. This includes areas where strong radiation, electromagnetism, or harmful chemicals are being used.
  • Require the use of forklift truck, mobile cranes. The use of these vehicles is frequent and unannounced, so workers and visitors should be alert at all times.
  • Are confirmed to contain asbestos, are suspected of having asbestos, or have had asbestos removed recently.

How to Use Signs Effectively

  1. Use simple language– by keeping your warning message to the plainest words possible, you will alert people to the hazard immediately. This way you won’t leave people puzzling over your sign trying to figure out exactly what they should be concerned about.
  2. Place the sign in the right place– You should post safety signs where they are visible and hard to miss.
  3. Utilize images– Using symbols, pictures, diagrams, and images to back up the sign’s words can make your sign more impactful. This will be especially useful for people who aren’t familiar with English or who don’t read at all.
  4. Use bright colors– This will ensure that your signs catch people’s attention and that they stand out from the rest of your workplace.
  5. Make sure workers understand signs– Finally, you should take the time to point out every safety sign and explain them to your workers. They should know what each sign means for them and how they can safely manage the risks of the area they are about to enter.

Try out these tips to use safety signs as effectively as possible at your next construction project.  If you are looking for a general contractor in the Bay Area, then contact the experts at Proforma Construction.  Serving Pleasanton and the surrounding California area, our highly trained and experienced team is ready to make your commercial construction dreams a reality.