In December of 1970, then President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Act. It's goal was to minimize avoidable workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths by issuing and enforcing standards for workplace safety and health. At the same time, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health was created. This research agency works to determine the major types of workplace hazards.
Most non-governmental workplaces are covered by OSHA's authority. State and local workers are excluded from the federal coverage but most state workplace safety and health programs cover these workers. This is encouraged by the wording in the original OSHA Act.
In the early days, OSHA was criticized as mandating confusing and over burdening regulations. The expense and difficulty of retrofitting dangerous equipment caused business owners to feel unduly pressured. As business owners have grown used to OSHA's requirements it has become seen as a valuable tool in worker morale building.
Safety signs and posters are an important part of any company's safety program. Posting colorful signs reminding the worker of avoidable dangers is an easy and inexpensive part of compliance with Federal and State regulations. Posting signs at the entrance gates reminds workers who are ready to begin their day that they are back in a place that demands their vigilance as they go about their job. Safety signs protect the health of people in many different walks of life, including restaurant workers, nursing home employees, construction workers, laboratory and chemical plant workers.
Finding the right safety poster options can be a difficult task for a human resources employee. The internet is full of offers for free printable signs. There are also companies who offer comprehensive packages of safety posters which will ensure compliance with all Federal and State regulations. This site offers information on various safety signs in an effort to educate our readers so that they can choose the program that works the best for their particular application.