According to the department's records, thousands of OSHA violations related to hazard communication occurred in 2023 alone. However, even when people have them right, it doesn't help if employees don't understand what they mean. Would you know what each safety label meant if it were in front of you, or do you need a reminder?

​Read on to delve into the different types of safety labels that exist, including:

Learn about the various regulatory standards and why effective labeling solutions from Durable Safety Signs may be what you need to guarantee a safety label customized to your specific needs.

One of the first and most obvious things people see on workplace safety labels is their color. OSHA requirements state that labels must use specific color codes to communicate different hazards. Knowing which hazards are around you at a glance will offer you a wealth of information without seeing the specific words.

For example, accident prevention danger signs must be red, black, and white.

Any caution signs must have a yellow background with a black foreground and yellow letters.

Safety instruction signs must be on a white background, overlaid with a green panel with white letters. However, any letters used against the white background will be black.

On a slow-moving vehicle, you will see a fluorescent yellow-orange triangle and a red, reflective border.

Radiofrequency radiation hazard warnings will be a red isosceles triangle above a black isosceles triangle. They are outlined and separated by a border with an aluminum color.

Similarly, nonionizing radiation uses a sign with the lettering and has an aluminum-color border.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) uses an additional set of colors over and above this. They utilize a diamond shape, split into multiple sections, each with a numerical rating from 0 to 4. Each escalating number makes it clear how dangerous that hazard is in the area.

​The four subsections are as follows:

Compliance with OSHA regulation 1910.145 through appropriate color-coding can help you avoid citations and fines. As such, ensure you use these to standardize the message you wish to communicate when designing custom signs with Durable Safety Signs.

Safety signs use carefully chosen signal words to indicate escalating levels of hazard severity.

​According to safety label regulations, such as OSHA standard 1910.1200, the two primary signal words are:

You should use "Danger" when there are severe and dangerous hazards and "Warning" for less severe potential hazards.

If you design a safety label but may need to communicate multiple hazards, you should always use the more severe. As such, if there are "Danger" and "Warning" hazards, only state "Danger."

​Using the correct words will foster a safer work environment, ensuring everybody understands the situation they find themselves in.

Pictograms on labels offer visual clues of the dangers a hazard represents. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is the system that the OSHA uses to determine what imagery is valid for this.

These symbols are helpful not only for allowing an at-a-glance understanding of a specific hazard but also for breaking through language barriers. They can reduce the number of incidents due to a lack of understanding and give workers the highest chance of maintaining OSHA standards.

When designing labels, ensure that you correctly represent OSHA's GHS pictograms. You must use a symbol on a white background framed within a red border.

OSHA provides examples of these symbols and what you should use them for. The specific pictogram you need to use is defined by the chemical classification of the hazard in question.

​When creating a custom sign, you must not change the symbols, edit their color, or otherwise alter them. Keeping them as they are ensures you adhere to safety standards and minimize your employees' risk of exposure to dangerous hazards.

Label text on hazards offers a detailed description of what you can expect from stored materials. The information includes:

The clear and concise text should aid in understanding and help with speedily implementing safety measures. OSHA recommends that you use specific and actionable language. While it does not need to match the Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the label should offer an immediate understanding of how to interact with the material.

If more information is required, the label should clearly express where to get this information, such as on an MSDS. However, emergency information should always be available on the label, even when creating a custom sign.

​As safety protocols and standards evolve, it is essential to review and update these labels. Doing this will ensure that personnel remain safe while working with the material.

If personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed when handling something, then information about the specific PPE needed should be available on the label. OSHA standards will dictate the necessary PPE required, and safety labels can also inform the individual of any optional PPE they may choose to use on top of that.

​Such labels encourage consistent use of the safety equipment, promoting a safe area for all who visit or work there.

Safety labels are vital to creating and maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. Understanding what they do and how to use them can thus address both new and evolving workplace hazards.

​If you require standard or custom workplace labels, Durable Safety Signs can help out. We have decades of experience developing custom signs and labels for a diverse array variety of clients with different needs. So, contact us now to learn how we can help you create a safe and secure environment for everyone in your business.