Often, the key responsibility of occupational health and safety specialists is to ensure that plant equipment and personnel comply with regulations—to avoid penalties in the event of an inspection or accident. However, by providing those responsible for marking with the right tools, much more can be achieved.

Floor tapes marking pedestrian and forklift paths 

Tapes that allow for lane markings, as well as warnings at intersections and occupational health and safety signs informing about the equipment required in a given area of ​​the facility – these are basic markings used in warehouses and industrial plants. Their use reduces the likelihood of hazardous incidents and, on the other hand, allows for a smooth passage through any Labor Inspectorate inspection. However, by collaborating with a reputable supplier, utilizing know-how and best practices, using such tools can achieve benefits that go far beyond avoiding penalties. Here are three examples of Tagatic visual management solutions that can truly influence employee behavior and increase the likelihood of proper conduct, reduce absenteeism, and – for example – reduce the risk of a truck leaving the dock before it has been loaded.

Stair stickers and a protective equipment mirror – a way to reinforce good habits

According to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) on the causes of workplace accidents, employee misconduct remains the dominant category, accounting for 60.8% of incidents in 2021. Using products that increase the likelihood that people will follow requirements and procedures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and errors. Visual management solutions can be used, among other things, to reinforce behavior in a specific sequence. Stickers for vertical sections of steps, for example, are becoming increasingly popular among our clients. These stickers allow employees to familiarize themselves with the correct sequence of behaviors every time they climb the stairs. We produce standard stickers with fire safety procedures and first aid steps, but we can adapt the design to any multi-step instruction. Another, non-standard Tagatic solution effectively reminds employees of the necessary personal protective equipment in a given area. At the entrance to a hall or specific zone, we place a demonstrative illustration with a suitably equipped person and a mirrored foil next to it. A person passing by the mirror can see at a glance whether they are wearing all the equipment necessary to work safely in a given place.

Safety cross and absence analysis as a method to reduce accidents and absenteeism

One of the standard visual management solutions used in production plants that prioritize accident-free operation is a safety cross sign. This tool is primarily used to mark which day an accident or minor incident occurred (and when it was avoided) and to count the number of days without an accident. Using the safety cross itself helps build employee confidence that accident-free operation is a significant value within the plant. Even more can be gained from this tool by maintaining digital records of accidents and absenteeism and analyzing periodically collected data. For example, after conducting similar analyses, one of our clients discovered that each year, one of their areas had a significantly higher number of employees on sick leave than others. After investigating the situation, it turned out that employees were catching colds due to the need to go to an external warehouse. To prevent this, a tent was erected and connected to the vestibule with a sleeve. Absences during the flu season decreased significantly.

Appropriate visual instructions and work organization as a solution to specific problems

Industrial plant managers also sometimes request signage to address a specific issue. For example, one of our clients experienced several instances where trucks departed before loading was completed. We explored a possible solution and developed visual instructions that not only instructed drivers to wear a reflective vest and hard hat during loading, but also to place their keys in a basket next to the warehouse employee. These instructions were only issued once it was confirmed that the loading had been successfully completed. This easily avoided the losses previously caused by premature departures. This is just one example of how graphic signage can be used to improve plant operations. With our own production and design team, we can not only customize signs but also advise clients on the best material and presentation method for these instructions.