What differentiates a modern building site from an older one? Sure, there may be better safety equipment, scaffolding and materials, but what else has changed?
These days, there are more and better-varied signs and labels on construction sites. These aren’t just for show – they help enforce safety standards.
Below, we discuss the different types of building site safety signs available, how they impact construction site safety and their importance.
The Most Popular Building Site Safety Signs, Listed
A building site has numerous signs, and safety on a construction site relies on them. However, there are some which crop often:
Keep Out Signs
Construction site safety is, rightfully, centred around employees. However, the first step should always be keeping the construction site segregated from the public. While rare, injuries and fatalities to the general public can be devastating.
The simplest way to protect the public is via keep out signs. These inform pedestrians that they’re near a construction site, meaning they’re unlikely to walk through unauthorised areas.
Use Footbridge
Sometimes, footbridges are needed to cross scaffolds or other construction areas. These signs mean footbridges are established and ensure construction employees don’t take any unnecessary risks.
All gaps should have a labelled footbridge.
No Entry Signs
Much like keep out signs, no-entry signs label areas where the public and staff shouldn’t go.
Safety Helmets Must Be Worn Signs
Helmets are of paramount importance. Head injuries are serious, and nobody should be on a building site without a helmet.
These signs ensure people know when to wear a helmet and have, alongside helmets, saved countless lives on building sites.
Head injuries are still the number-one cause of death and disability for people aged 1-40 in the UK, which is a firm reminder of the importance head protection has in the workplace.
High-Vis Vest Signs
Building sites are busy places. There are many hazards, including heavy lifting and machinery, so it’s important people can be easily identified in different light conditions.
High-visibility vests help achieve this, but signs are needed too. People won’t know when these vests should be worn without proper signage.
Eye Protection Signs
Eye protection is another area of concern for construction sites, so proper signage is essential. We have covered the issue in our blog: Eye Protection in the Workplace: How Signs Play a Part.
Wear Protective Footwear Signs
Foot protection, much like helmets, is a non-negotiable element of building site PPE. We talk about the importance of protective footwear in this blog: How to Maintain Foot Protection in the Workplace
Ear Protection Signs
When using heavy equipment like jackhammers, it’s important to use proper ear protection. It’s not only essential in the short-term, but in the long-term, it can protect from chronic conditions like tinnitus.
In 2019, the Building Safety Group (BSG) reported a 25% increase in noise-related injuries in construction. This forms a major part of the 17,000 people per year in the UK who suffer from hearing-related issues due to their job.
These signs are the first step in stopping this number from going up.
Way Out Signs
During emergencies, knowing the way out can mean the difference between life and death. You can find these signs scattered throughout building sites pointing to the nearest exit.
These signs are essential in times of crisis, including medical and fire-related emergencies.
The Importance of Construction Site Health and Safety
According to the HSE, the fatal injury rate is 1.74 per 100,000. On the surface, this may seem small, but that is four times the national average in the UK. For that reason, construction site health and safety is becoming a key issue for safety professionals.
Outside of fatal injuries, the general injury rate in construction is much higher than the national average, with 2.8% of construction workers suffering an injury.
In the majority of these cases, the businesses were rightfully held responsible for these incidents. So, as a construction company, you should place safety at the top of your list.
Safety starts with signs, labels and risk assessments. You cannot enforce a safety policy without this foundation.
Browse High-Quality Building Site Safety Signs
Ultimately, having high-quality signs and using them as part of a safety strategy is one of the best methods to protect construction workers.
Our high-quality building site safety signs range will have something for you, plus you can buy with the knowledge that these signs will last.
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