We are charged with developing policies, implementing strategies and procedures that identify and communicate these risks and hazards to employees and visitors. The aim is to raise the level of safety and reduce risk.
Accidents are bad enough without the thought of contributing through our failure to provide proper training, communication or adequate safety management measures.
So, let's talk about signs.
By now we are all familiar with and see the relevance of emergency signs — emergency exit, fire extinguisher, first aid, to name but a few. These are must-haves and are covered by various codes.
But the WHS legislation asks for more. The legislation says you must identify and communicate risks, hazards, safety issues and directions in an effort to avoid accidents and emergencies.
Interestingly, the legislation does not say you must have a sign. So, in effect, you could employ someone in a hi-vis vest to stand and point out a situation or give directions, and there are times when this is what needs to be done.
However in practical terms this cannot be a long-term solution.
Safety Signs are an effective tool in working towards WHS compliance. They are not a set and forget and they do not fulfil all our WHS obligations but they are effective in identifying and communicating specific risks, hazards and directions.
They stand vigil and provide a constant reminder of our policies. When all is said and done, safety signs are one of the most cost effective WHS policy communication tools between management and staff.
The benefits of safety signs go beyond warnings and directives — they demonstrate a value commitment to the well-being of our workforce and business as a whole. They are a proven factor in improving efficiencies and creating a more orderly workplace.
While safety signs come under Australian Standard 1319, they can be customised with text and other recognised icons to reflect the specific role of the sign.
At the end of the day, safety signs are about reducing risk and raising the standard of safety for all stakeholders. Whether a small sticker on a machine or a large placard at the front gate, a safety sign will work hard for you all day — even when you're not there.
