Warehouse signage is very important and typically required by law. This type of signage is very broad–from directory signs to hazard signs–but the goal of warehouse signs is to improve the overall awareness and safety within a warehouse setting. Do not overlook the necessity of posting this signage.
A large warehouse can be an ominous place to work or visit. Warehouses are often full of heavy machinery, sensitive equipment, private doors or other “do not touch” hazards. Due to this, a warehouse should be labeled to let workers and visitors know what is safe and where they can, and can’t, go.
Improve Safety
Most medium to large companies will have an orientation when hiring new employees; especially in warehouse settings. This orientation would likely consist of a walk through the warehouse and the explanation of a company safety manual, with procedures and regulations. However, after this orientation setting, what will keep these safety procedures, hazard areas and regulations fresh in an employee’s mind?
Safety signage is a constant reminder of what to expect when working in a warehouse setting. Workers and visitors should always know where they can go, what they can expect behind each door and what machinery, chemicals or equipment is potentially dangerous.
SafetyAtWorkBlog.com also pointed out that, “Safety signs should be changed, re-positioned and even re-colored every now and then to make them noticeable.” This is because, over time, a sign becomes a part of the background. Once an employee becomes used to seeing a sign, the message of that sign becomes unnoticeable. So, without violating any regulations, it is a good idea to freshen the atmosphere with new or rearranged signage.
Improve Efficiency
When you think of a warehouse, you picture many aisles, shelves, storage rooms, etc. This can cause a great deal of confusion. Confusion can lead to hazards and a slow down in productivity. Mislabeling, or no labeling of shelves, can result in incorrect inventory, which leads to wasted money and an inaccurate balance sheet.
Clearly marked travel lanes create a safe environment. Chemicals with correct labels help avoid potential disasters. Signs posting rules and regulations help workers avoid mistakes and violations.
The ultimate goal of a company in a warehouse setting, or any setting, is to protect employees and increase company efficiency. Warehouse signage is an essential step toward this goal.
Improve Morale
The bottom line is that a properly labeled facility will increase the overall efficiency of a business, protect employees and create an atmosphere conducive to productivity and personal well being.
Studies done by career oriented organizations like LinkedIn, Inc.com and TheGuardian.com have shown that the top 10 things employees look for in a company do not involve money. These studies showed that, above compensation, employees seek values like communication, achievement, stability and good management.
A well-run company that creates a fostering atmosphere, where management takes the steps to insure the well being of its employees, will retain proud and loyal employees. A major step towards this is making sure employees are familiar with their surroundings, know the company procedures and have the confidence to do their jobs without uncertainty.
A steady and productive flow through a company can be achieved by properly labeling a warehouse or office space. All signs lead toward safe and productive employees.
