The work environment of the future might not see humans completely replaced by technology, but it will see them working together side by side. Today, automations are in practically every workplace and changing just about every industry. Businesses are benefiting from reduced labor costs as well as improved quality, speed, and more importantly improved safety. Still, despite their safety improvements, technology poses its own threats. In fact, technology malfunctions indicate that the dilemma of unsafe and unpredictable work environments will remain present.
With the changes in technology standards, businesses require a whole new approach to safety procedures. Managers now have to account for the risks technologies pose. Their biggest preemptive measures will be communicating technology hazards. More than ever before, businesses will have to convey to employees that safety is of the utmost priority. Proper signage will be a crucial part of that.
Business can increase employee satisfaction by assuring them concern for their welfare is a top priority. Start by changing your approach to call attention to technology's potential risks. Here's how:
Accounting For Automated Technology
Automated technology has gained quite a bit of momentum in the manufacturing industry. Companies are leveraging it to automate difficult tasks and remove workers from unsafe environments. While technology has generally helped in the decrease of employee accidents, it's not without its faults. As of now, the current solutions technology provides aren't cure-alls for work related problems—accidents still occur. Accidents typically increase when an employee enters an automation's working environment, which in most cases can be unavoidable. This is especially true for computers that are unable to operate without the maintenance or programming of a human hand.
Consequently, it becomes all the more crucial for companies to take safety measures. In fact, these new innovations require companies to up their safety procedure. Their best bet for help involves signage that accounts for human error. Businesses are now integrating safety signage into machinery to help workers understand how to operate and turn off rogue machines.
To keep potential accidents at bay, post signs that tell employees that a machine has moving parts on machines and around their locations. Signs that read "EMERGENCY OFF" will be particularly important.
Accounting for Global Language
Those silly signs that warn consumers not to put their husbands in washing machines have their purpose. Someone did it at least once, and everyone can understand the message.
As globalization increases cross-border employment, demand for effective communication tools will climb as well. Meaning businesses now have to account for roughly 6,500 languages in today's world. To facilitate the communication of safety, businesses are bringing signs that use warning symbols into play. A universal image can do quite a bit for a customer who isn't fluent with a company's language. Symbols in lieu of or in addition to written warnings are key to ensuring universal understanding of safety procedures.
Making Way For Wearable and Responsive Tech
Augmented and virtual reality are changing every aspect of the workplace.Today's employees often juggle smartphones, smartwatches, laptop devices and machinery all at one time. The likelihood of tech causing an employee's attention to be compromised is on the rise. With so many necessary technologies increasing digital distractions, employers must reconsider their signage practices.
Part of those efforts will require signs to be understandable at first glance. OSHA's update to incorporate the latest ANSI Z535 standards are in line with today's trends of using uniformity as a solution. Businesses are recognizing that in order to be effective, symbols have to be consistent in their design. New technology standards demand that companies familiarize their employees to threats by making it easier to spot out differences.
Using signs to implement safety measures is crucial for any work environment. In addition to the crucial role they have in preempting work accidents, safety signs are also a legal requirement. As an employer you are responsible for making sure that employees don't just see the signs, but they understand them too.