Importance of signage at the worksite and its type

Workers on the construction sites might face circumstances where their life is under threat due to the kind of work. No one will like to work under such conditions unless his employer ensures adequate safety measures. 

The employer must keep staff, visitors and customers safe and provide a less risky environment. It is necessary to maintain a safe and healthy occupational environment. For such purposes, interactions like safety signs in Australia are crucial. These are reminders or messages that are used to communicate crucial features. 

The article talks about the importance of having these signs and their types. 

Why is signage vital on construction sites?

Construction is one of the accident-prone sectors. Working with heavy machinery, handling and operating them even at heights constitutes a typical working day on the construction site. 

Vehicle collisions, falls, and electrocution adds up to major fatal events. The following reasons clarify why signs are crucial:

Prevention against accidents 

A well-trained staff cannot replace signage. The only trained staff knows which signs to follow.

Some safety signs act as a precaution to take against danger. At the same time, others provide information relating to emergency exits, first aid kits etc. Keeping staff informed about signs and regulations so projects can go on smoothly. 

For project work 

Safety signs are crucial for getting project work moving. The safety of the worker’s life is critical even before the project begins. 

The contractor can land himself into legal trouble if there is no on-site signage. 

Important types of signs 

There is a minimum standard on the use of safety signs for industry as set by the  Australian Standard. The standard features the use of signs, including their colour, symbols, background etc. 

These signs instruct what should a worker do and what not under the legal orders on the work site. 

Here are vital signs that should be at your workplace:

• Prohibition sign

This sign tells people what they must not do. It indicates any action or activity which is not allowed. 

It is universally recognisable and displays the activity prohibited with a slash on it and surrounded circle red in colour. 

• Mandatory signs

These are perfect when you want to give instructions. 

These display the sign with instructions or activities or actions you must do. You can recognise them with white backgrounds with round blue symbols. 

• Restriction sign

Restriction signs are mainly present on the road for managing traffic. The sign features a numerical limit on any facility’s action, activity, or use. 

• Danger sign

These indicate a warning against a particular hazard or condition. These hazards can be life-threatening and even result in death. 

The sign displays the word ‘danger’ with a black and red header. It also includes typical instructions such as ‘high voltage’ and ‘do not enter. 

• Warning sign

These signs suggest warning about the conditions that may result in hurt or fatal events.

You can quickly identify them with yellow backgrounds featuring a black triangle with the symbol. 

• Emergency information signs

People should be aware of where they can access emergency information or facilities. 

The sign displays emergency items with white symbols on a green background. A text relating to the sign also features on the sign board. These signs put your safety first when things go wrong. 

• Fire safety signs

These signs are spotted easily around fire alarms. The sign board displays white text or symbols on a red background. 

These are vital as they inform about the location of fire extinguishers, blankets etc. 

Summing up 

Thus measures like safety signs in Australia are obligatory and come under strict rules and regulations. Unintended death or injuries can be avoided using safety sign boards. Workers must be informed and updated about the same. 

There is no reason to take hazard communications lightly. Not following signage requirements may put a hole in the pocket of the company and the people involved in the project.