OSHA’s New Safety Sign Ruling: A Game-Changer for Workplace Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has implemented a significant update to its safety sign and tag regulations. This change is a major step forward in advancing safety in the United States, as it incorporates the latest standards for safety signs and tags, as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 2011.

OSHA’s safety sign and tag regulations referenced outdated standards from the 1960s. The regulations of 2013, which integrate the ANSI Z535 standards, provide employers with the tools they need to create effective safety communication in the workplace. This means that safety signs and tags will now be more uniform, intuitive, and easy to understand, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

While the standard is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that employers adopt the new ANSI Z535 standards-compliant signs and tags. This is because the new standards represent best practices for visually communicating safety messages, and failure to comply could lead to allegations of “failure to warn” and “inadequate warnings” in the event of an accident.

The benefits of adopting the new OSHA-endorsed ANSI Z535 safety signage are numerous. For one, it provides a more effective and uniform system for hazard recognition, making it easier for employees to understand potential risks and take necessary precautions. Additionally, the new signs and tags are designed to be more noticeable, using graphical symbols, specific color-coding, and precise formatting to grab attention and convey critical information.

Moreover, the new standards can help reduce the risk of litigation by providing a strong defense against claims of inadequate warnings. As the legal theory of the duty to warn continues to evolve, employers who fail to provide adequate warnings may be held liable for accidents and injuries.

In conclusion, OSHA’s new safety sign ruling is a significant step forward in promoting workplace safety and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Employers who adopt the new ANSI Z535 standards-compliant signs and tags will be better equipped to provide effective safety communication, reduce the risk of litigation, and create a safer work environment for their employees.