Regardless of whether you own a restaurant, retail store, or other commercial space, proper signage needs to be in place to keep both your employees and customers safe. Safety signs can be as common as marking off restricted areas where you don’t want people wandering into unattended. Here are 5 ways you can use signs to keep both your employees and customers safe when on your property.
#1 General Safety
Safety signs range from marking off wet floors, directing to fire escapes, or separating employee and customer areas. Having clear and visible signage in place will make it easier for your staff to notify customers of areas of caution while on the property. Not only do signs make it easier for everyone to get the message, they also free up valuable employee time directing customers around simple hazards.
When placing signs, it is important to make sure not to block exits, walkways, or otherwise create an obstacle. Doing so would make a warning sign a hazard in itself. We have a wide selection of signs and markings for any occasion.
#2 Construction Safety Signs
Along with marking off general areas, construction safety signs are especially useful for constructing, remodeling or repairing a building. These signs are for informing your customers of areas to avoid or be careful in. Also to caution if dust, debris, or other work materials may be nearby. Placing these signs in the front of your building as well as near the affected area will help ensure everyone is aware of the obstacle.
Signs are also useful for letting your employees know that certain areas of your business are being worked on by other workers or outside contractors. Clearly marking off construction areas ensures the safety of your guests and staff while you make repairs and improvements to your business.
#3 Meet OSHA Requirements
Signage is also a requirement under OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Clearly marking and placing signs that indicate danger, warnings, and caution areas are required under Federal law. Signs are not only required for hazardous areas, but simple marking for restrooms and exits are also needed. Having proper signage in place in your business will make it easier for everyone inside to move around. It will also cover the requirements so you won’t have any legal problems in the future.
#4 Meanings of Safety Signs
Many signs do not contain any text or words, they have images or pictures that must be understood. OSHA sets standards for the minimum required signs that must be in any business. They also have guidelines and steps to ensure that your employees have a clear understanding of what each sign means. Some signs are common and easy to understand such as male and female figures for restrooms. Other signs can be more difficult or even confusing in their meanings. For this reason, it’s important to properly train and educate your employees so there are no misunderstandings regarding signage.
#5 Advanced Sign Technologies
Modern technology has replaced paper and cardboard signs with televisions and projection screens. The advantage of these new signs is that they can be completely customized and quickly updated or changed. Having a series of screens placed throughout your business can allow you to scroll through a variety of signs and messages over the course of a day. These digital signs can also be updated remotely. This means you will save time and money by not having to physically install or remove each individual sign whenever you need to make a change. These high-tech signs can include audio as well as video alert systems. These can help increase their visibility and effectively inform more people.
Whether your business is focused on retail, service, or another commercial field, having proper safety signs in place is vital. The safety of your customers and staff is important and you will have all your legal bases covered. General safety, construction, warning, and other signs required by your business should be in place before people are allowed into the space. If you are interested in learning more about proper signage, contact us for more information.
