Workplace Safety Signage | 4over Blog

Did you know the phrase “Safety First” became a household term in the early 20th century, during the boom of industrialization and large-scale manufacturing? Around this time, industries were growing fast, and so were the risks to workers. Railways, factories, and mines started adopting “Safety First” as a motto to reduce workplace accidents and protect workers. 

Fast forward to today—the workplace has changed a lot, and while technology, tools, and work environments have come a long way, the message behind “Safety First” is just as important—if not more.  

4over’s 4 Pillars of Safety 

At 4over, we know that safety isn’t just a box to check —it’s something we abide by every day. Whether running presses on the production floor, preparing and shipping printed materials, or meeting with customers, we prioritize creating a safe and supportive space for our employees that is built on the foundation of our commitment to safety with these four pillars: 

By sticking to these four pillars and using safety signage and PPE in our facilities, we help keep our team safe on the job. 

Safety Signage 101 

Many workplace accidents can be avoided with the right signage in place and procedures that match. To guide your customers toward the best signage for their businesses, assessing their unique safety needs and compliance requirements is important. By understanding the different types of safety signage and their applications, you can help your clients create safer environments while meeting legal standards. Here are some key safety signage categories: 

• Regulatory/Informational: Used to communicate general information or specific regulatory requirements. 

• Traffic/Directional: Set speed limits or are often mandatory to designate emergency routes within a space. 

• Emergency Awareness: Highlight where emergency response items and safety shelters are located throughout a facility. 

• Caution/Warning/Danger: Indicate potentially hazardous situations that may result in injury if not avoided. These often have specific color requirements. 

Once you’ve identified their safety needs, you can suggest signage that clearly gets the message across. Here are some top recommendations: 

• Aluminum Sandwich Board: Durable, directional signage option. Ideal for labeling stairways, rooms, exit routes, and more. 

• Aluminum Heavy Duty: Indoor/outdoor versatility, heavy-duty structure, ideal for parking areas, sidewalks, factories, and warehouses.  

• High-Tack Adhesive Vinyl, 4mil: Designed for maximum exposure and can withstand harsh environments.  

Signage and PPE: The Ultimate Safety Duo 

When it comes to workplace safety, signage, and PPE work together like a safety dream team. Signage sets the stage by alerting workers to potential hazards with clear messages like “hard hat area,” “protective eyewear required beyond this point,” and “hearing protection required in this area.” PPE then steps in to ensure workers are properly equipped to stay safe. Some of the most common PPE essentials in a print facility include safety glasses or goggles, nitrile or cut-resistant gloves, earplugs or earmuffs, steel-toe or slip-resistant shoes, aprons or protective clothing, and masks or respirators.  

Building a Culture Focused on Safety 

“Safety First” isn’t just a catchy saying—it's a commitment. And at 4over, we know that clear, effective signage plays a vital role in keeping workplaces, job sites, and public spaces safe. Help your customers promote safety by offering high-quality, custom signage designed to protect people, prevent accidents, and keep business running smoothly. 

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