All businesses need to have viable health and safety policies in place, but they are especially critical for the construction industry. According to data from Safe Work Australia, construction is the fourth most dangerous industry in Australia.
So it is vital that construction site managers take measures to reduce accidents as much as possible. Safety signs are one of the most effective ways of reducing injuries and fatalities at work. Here are five ways safety signs can help reduce accidents and improve site safety.
1. Communication of important safety messages
Most health and safety programs involve employees having to read volumes of documentation about safety on-site and the best working methods. While these are important, it can be difficult for employees to remember all this information.
Safety signs bolster this approach by communicating the most important safety messages quickly. Most signs use easy to understand pictograms to highlight dangers and signs are colour coded to make employees aware they are entering a high-risk area.
2. Highlight hazards & promote safe methods of working
Safety signs do more than warn employees of potential dangers. They help to highlight the safest methods of working. Signs should therefore be placed in areas where heavy lifting is involved or where protective clothing should be worn.
A quick reminder can help keep workers safe without having to constantly remind them to wear protective clothing or take adequate precautions. Clearly visible signs also remove any doubt about what safety precautions are necessary.
3. Helps you remain compliant with the law
Safety signs help your company to remain compliant with strict health and safety legislation. It is important to remember that this legislation exists to protect employees and members of the public from injury.
All construction sites must therefore comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996. This mandates that safety signs must be shown where there is a significant risk of injury. Failure to comply can result in large fines and prosecution.
4. Protect employees & the public from injury
Safety signs are not just there for the benefit of employees, they also help to protect members of the public. Most construction sites are close to urban populations which mean members of the public are also at risk of injury.
The presence of safety signs can help make members of the public aware that they have ventured into a dangerous area and that extra precautions should be taken. They also help visitors to the site who are not familiar with safe working practices to remain safe.
5. Improve employee wellbeing
Poor safety at work not only results in increased workplace injuries, it also contributes towards decreased morale, reduced productivity and higher levels of workplace absence.
By improving workplace safety, you will benefit from higher employee satisfaction levels which deliver measurable benefits across the organisation. It will also help to build a level of trust between site workers and management.
Make sure your construction site is protected
While safety signs may seem insignificant, they are one of the most effective ways of reducing injuries on construction sites. They are also a legal requirement with large fines issued for sites that do not follow the regulations.
At Marchant Signs in Mackay, we can help keep your employees and visitors safe by supplying a complete range of construction site safety signs. Get in touch today by completing the contact form or give us a call on
(07) 4942 3900.