Workplace injuries in the State of North Carolina are very common.
Whether it’s a minor cut or a major industrial accident, the associated costs can add up quickly. If the accident was due to a violation of one of the countless labor or safety laws or lack of OSHA signs, the employer could face steep penalties and fines. Raleigh employers are responsible for the safety and security of their workers and employees. This is why OSHA and other regulatory agencies have mandated various safety signs throughout offices, workplaces, and job sites. It helps keep workers informed of their rights, potential safety hazards, and how to perform their jobs safely. Read on to learn more about common regulatory compliance and OSHA signs that you should have in your Raleigh office or job site.
Important note: This blog post should not be taken as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding OSHA, state, or Federal laws, please seek the advice of a licensed attorney.
Types of OSHA Signs (Safety Signs)
There are three different classifications of signs that OSHA requires for the job site or workplace. However, keep in mind that just posting any old sign on a wall isn’t enough. OSHA mandates that all signage conforms to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regarding shape, appearance, and color. This enables all workers to quickly and easily understand the information posted. The three classifications are:
Danger
Danger signs indicate the most severe threats to the safety of a worker. They inform the reader that they need to exercise utmost caution as there is danger nearby. These signs are common in areas where there are hazards, chemical storage, or exposed electrical wiring. The sign itself needs to have a safety alert symbol (exclamation point) inside a triangle. The only colors you can use are white, black, and red, along with the word DANGER written in capital letters.
Warning
A warning sign is the next level down from a danger sign. It indicates that unsafe practices could result in severe injury or death. The design must have a black safety allergy symbol on top of an orange background. The only colors you can use are black, orange, and white, with the word “WARNING” printed in all capital letters.
Caution
Caution signs indicate areas where workers need to take caution to prevent minor to moderate injuries, such as a wet floor or machine pinch point. Common examples include: “Caution High Voltage,” “Slippery When Wet,” and “Watch Your Step.” These signs must feature the word “CAUTION” written in all capital letters and printed in black on top of a yellow background.
Common Regulatory Signs
There are several different types of regulatory signs you’ll need in your Raleigh office and job site:
ADA Signage
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that requires signage that will allow disabled persons to access your facilities. ADA laws are length and complex. However, AlphaGraphics of Raleigh are experts who can help you navigate through the sometimes confusing maze of ADA signage requirements. Our ADA signs have appropriate letter sizing, easy-to-read typefaces, non-glare characters and backgrounds, and high dark to light contrasting between the background and the front.
First Aid Signs
Time is of the utmost essence when it comes to workplace emergencies. Your office and job site should have adequate first aid signage that will enable rescuers and helpers to find the life-saving supplies they need quickly.
Evacuation/Exit Signs
Evacuation and exit points must be marked and identified. Wayfinding signage can help keep you in compliance with the laws and provide the people inside your building with a safe exit point.
Poster Signs
Each office and job site in Raleigh require the prominent display of employment rights and other safety information. Poster signs are a great way to do so while keeping your business in compliance with the law.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Signs
Also known as sandwich signs, sidewalk signs are ideal for helping prevent slips, trips, and falls. Whether it’s warning people about a spilled liquid or recently polished floor, these signs are hard to miss and can help save lives and money.
OSHA, ADA, and Regulatory Compliance Signs in Raleigh
If your Raleigh office, workplace, or job site needs regulatory signage, get in touch with the experts at AlphaGraphics of Raleigh. We’ve helped countless local businesses over the years design and create the perfect safety signs to help keep their workers safe while remaining in compliance with the myriad of regulatory laws. At AlphaGraphics of Downtown Raleigh, we can provide you with ideas and services to assist with your office re-opening. To learn more about how AlphaGraphics of Downtown Raleigh can help with your sign and marketing needs, you may
email us,
request a quote, or call us at
(919) 832-2828.