Making workplaces safer is always an important and noble goal. Workers can get badly hurt if they are not careful around dangers. Companies want to avoid accidents so workers stay healthy and can keep contributing productively.
One way that companies try to improve safety is by putting up warning signs. These signs visually show where hazards exist in facilities. Nevertheless, signs do have limitations. Workers do not always notice or remember signs as they move around worksites when focused on tasks at hand.
To that end, this article explains how combining traditional warning signs with supplemental alerts from mobile apps can better caution workers of dangerous hazard signs. Apps can provide extra warnings to workers about marked hazards. Together, static signs and mobile apps help to enhance workplace safety.
Using More Visible and Understandable Warning Signs
Companies often use warning signs to visually communicate dangers in specific areas. Signs catch attention with shapes, icons, colours, and text. For example, a warning sign might contain:
- An orange or yellow background colour.
- A black exclamation mark icon signalling a hazard.
- The word “Warning” or “Caution” in large, bold text.
- Concise hazard messages in a large font.
These noticeable elements alert workers to pay attention and act carefully around a marked safety risk. Common workplace dangers that have dedicated warning signs include:
- Slippery floors.
- Falling objects from heights.
- Electric shock hazards.
- Battery charging explosion risks.
- Flammable chemicals.
The main benefit of warning signs is they visibly highlight hazardous zones and remind workers of risks. Nonetheless, sole reliance on signs has disadvantages:
- Workers might not notice signs in peripheral vision, especially if focused intensely on tasks.
- Workers might forget the specific risks shown mere minutes after walking away.
- Signs don’t continue communicating dangers once a worker enters a hazard area.
So, while warning of dangerous hazard signs provide clear visual cues at entrances, additional safety alert methods are beneficial inside danger zones. Mobile apps running actively on workers’ phones can deliver those supplemental on-site reminders.
Adding Live Hazard Warnings Via Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are software programs running on internet-connected phones and tablets carried by workers. Apps can give workers useful real-time information and warnings about identified dangers.
For example, a safety app could store locations of signs placed in a building marking tripping hazards or low electrical cables. When a worker’s mobile device moves near an identified hazard zone, the app can send pop-up alerts about the specific risks in that area. This gives workers an extra live warning beyond the static visual caution signage.
Apps have advantages for communicating hazards:
- They can remind workers of risks if attention wanders while working within unsafe areas.
- They can continue warning workers even when they are inside identified danger zones.
- They allow central safety administrators to remotely update warning information instantly broadcast to all workers’ devices.
The following are some examples of live hazard alerts that apps can provide:
Slippery Floor Areas
If a wet floor sign says there is a slippery zone ahead, the app can repeat that caution as a worker approaches. Motion sensors on the floor may even detect when a worker steps onto the slippery surface. The app then urgently alerts them to walk slowly and brace against falls.
Falling Object Zones
Apps can reinforce warning signs about storage areas where heavy items or tools may fall from improperly secured shelves or ceiling mounts. When workers enter these hazardous zones, the app sends fresh reminders to wear safety helmets in case objects fall.
Flammable Chemicals Rooms
Sensors automatically detect when a worker’s phone enters a room containing volatile chemicals. The app then urgently reminds them to avoid all potential ignition sources inside that could trigger explosions.
Integrating permanent warning signs with live hazard notices from mobile apps means workers get backup alerts about risks. But apps also provide additional safety benefits.
Additional Workplace Safety Features of Mobile Apps
Besides reinforcing visual caution signs, apps have lots of extra functions to enhance workplace safety:
Emergency Contacts and Alerting
Apps let workers quickly call for help in accidents. At a button-press, they can contact on-site first aiders, safety managers, or emergency services. Apps also enable automatic alerts to responders if dangerous situations occur.
Hazard and Incident Reporting
Apps empower workers to easily report newly noticed hazards, like leaks or broken equipment. This allows all workers to independently improve safety.
Panic Alarms
If emergencies happen, one-touch alarms from workers’ phones can notify response teams to provide rapid assistance.
Safety Tutorials and Protocols
Apps allow refreshers about standard operating procedures for machinery, chemicals, and other hazards. Access to safety protocols helps workers avoid mistakes.
Merging permanent signs with real-time warning apps means companies better enable workers to protect themselves. Apps bring improved emergency response, hazard awareness, safety knowledge and more.
Implementing an Integrated Signage-App Warning System
Upgrading safety systems takes planning, equipment, and training:
- Conduct risk assessments to identify where new warning signs should be installed.
- Obtain sensors to track workers and send alerts upon entering defined risk areas.
- Develop a central workplace safety app with hazard warnings, protocols, and emergency features.
- Educate workers about the new system and provide training on properly using the app.
- Incentivise reporting of unmarked dangers found around the workplace.
Maintenance is also vital – signs and sensors need periodic inspection and apps need updating. But the effort involved to enhance warning of dangerous hazard signs is worth it. Ongoing upgrades to the unified system can also improve effectiveness.
Conclusion
Workplace safety affects lives and business operations. Integrating permanent warning signs with supplemental live hazard notices from mobile apps can better caution workers. Apps dynamically reinforce visual cautions and add emergency protections.
Well-designed safety apps empower everyone to increase attentiveness, make cautious decisions, follow protocols, and assist colleagues in danger. Harnessing sensor technologies and smartphones alongside traditional signs allows companies to create safer, more productive work environments. Workers can feel secure, concentrate on tasks, and prevent serious accidents.
Upgrading safety through unified signage-app systems does require upfront investments. But preventing injuries and dangerous incidents saves money over the long term. Enhanced worker welfare also boosts morale and retention. So, integrating signs and apps provides multifaceted benefits for both employees and organisations.