Working with heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, and electrical equipment can be dangerous and there are potential risks involved that may lead to critical injuries. To avoid a mishap or serious injuries companies are required to practise various safety measures as described by the guidelines of various worker unions and government agencies. Undertaking proper safety protocols is essential to ensure the safety of the employees. Safety measures are critical to inform the employees and visitors of the potential risks and injuries that may be caused at the premises. The safety measures also help the employees in exercising caution when handling equipment and areas that may pose a danger. Various safety measures need to be implemented but one of the most elemental measures is “Safety Labels”.

What is a safety label?

A safety label is a label attached to an item or present in its instruction manual, which warns the users about the potential risks and dangers of using the said item. There are various types of safety labels depending on the aspect of the company. In an industry that operates heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals or electrical equipment, it is important to label each machine with the proper information to avoid potential accidents.

Importance of safety labels in the workplace.

• While working with certain machinery, chemicals, electrical equipment there are major chances of accidents that may cause fatal injuries. Various labour organizations across the globe have come up with numerous laws to ensure employee safety. A critical part of the labour laws across the globe is putting “Safety Labels” across areas of the company where there is a risk of potential injury. Numerous studies have concluded that having a visually attentive sign is key to ensure employee safety in the workplace. An organization like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States has provided certain protocols for putting safety labels to ensure workplace safety that is mandatory. An organization like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has provided various guidelines on how the safety labels should be implemented.  ANSI explicitly states that a safety label should contain an image on the label, called as a pictogram, which is a visual representation of the potential hazard of using the said machine. ANSI further states that the label must also have a signal word that alerts a person regarding potential hazards. Some of the signal words, along with its corresponding colours, to alert the reader as per ANSI Z535 safety standards guidelines are giving below:

• DANGER: The word “Danger” should be written in white and surrounded by red. It is to be used in situations that will result in critical injuries or possible death. The “Danger” signs are to be used in the most serious conditions.
• WARNING: The word “Warning” should be written in black and surrounded by orange. It is to be used in situations with potentially serious hazards or death.
• CAUTION: The word “Caution” should be written in black and surrounded by yellow. It is to be used in situations where there is a potential injury that can be described as minor to moderate. They can also be used effectively as an alternative to NOTICE signs.
• NOTICE: The word “Notice” should be written in white and surrounded by blue. It is used to alert the viewer regarding safety rules and procedures regarding a certain area or safety procedures while operating certain equipment. It is also used to convey other information in situations where there is no potential hazard.

Along with the aforementioned safety words on labels, there may also be short sentences that convey the message of safety quite efficiently. The message may also be effective in conveying the nature and possible consequences of the hazard and measures that serve as a precaution against the potential hazards.

Implementing safety labels not only saves time but boosts productivity by relaying the necessary information regarding the caution that needs to be exercised. An alert employee will also be more productive in his/her area once he/she is aware of all the safety protocols.

Types of Safety Labels

Depending on the nature and aspect of the industry, various safety labels can be implemented within the workplace. Some of the types of safety labels are given below:

• Machine Safety Labels: Operating with heavy machinery and/or electronic equipment poses a potential risk of numerous injuries. Having a clear visible Label on the machine that describes the proper protocol of the machine’s operation, its potential risks, and information on how to avoid the potential hazards, can be very effective to safeguard the employee’s safety. Over a period of time, the labels tend to get worn out or torn off rendering the employee incapable of reading the signs. It is important to consistently renew these safety labels with labels made from durable material like polycarbonate, polyester, foil or vinyl.
• Building or facility safety labels: These are some of the most common safety labels found in the workplace. These labels are usually posted in areas of the company where the employee should exercise certain precautionary measures like watching their step in certain areas, keeping doors closed in certain departments, being alert regarding low-hanging equipment, always wearing the proper footwear, clothing, and protective gears. The protocol for these kinds of safety labels is a bit flexible when it comes to ANSI guidelines and specifications. However, it is recommended that the safety labels contain the necessary information like a pictogram, signal words, etc. in order to relay the fundamental safety instructions.
• Emergency exits and Fire equipment: Safety labels related to fire safety and regulations are absolutely vital to the workplace. There are certain protocols and codes when it comes to the safety labels that relay information regarding fire safety and these Safety Labels are monitored by the local fire department on a regular basis. The protocol states that the Texts on the label should always be in capital letters and in red colour. The pictogram must indicate the proper procedure of fire safety protocol. The EXIT signs should be illuminated from behind, clearly visible and should be located above the entryways that lead outside and which can be used in case of a fire or other related calamity.

Safety Labels are absolutely essential to safeguard employees from potential risks of injuries at workplaces. There are various guidelines and protocols laid out by Labour organizations that help safeguard the employee’s safety. Safety Labels around the workplace are an efficient practice that will help prevent critical injuries. An employee who feels safe at the work environment will be more productive in his field