What are the penalties for not having health and safety signage in the workplace?
The choice of the type of health and safety signs depends on the nature of the workplace, the infrastructure of the building and the duties performed by the employees. But do health and safety pictograms have to appear in every public use building and workplace? What are the penalties for lack of health and safety signage?
Mandatory health and safety signage
The need for health and safety signs stems from legislation. According to the Labor Code, the employer is obliged to provide employees with safety in the workplace. According to the decree of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy of September 26, 1997. on general regulations on occupational safety and health, there must be adequate occupational safety and health signage in every workplace with potential hazards. In addition, information about the right to safe and healthy working conditions is included in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland.
Types of health and safety signs
Health and safety signs have been divided according to the type of message they convey, as well as the hazards. Featured:
- safety signs - evacuation: are designed to mark the escape route that leads to the exit in an emergency situation
- safety signs - fire protection: relate to the marking of fire equipment, as well as specific behaviors that promote the spread of fire
- warning signs: warn of specific risks
- prohibition signs: prohibit taking certain actions
- injunction signs: enforce proper behavior
Employer's obligations in the field of occupational health and safety
The employer not only provides work for its employees and controls its progress, but also has responsibilities directly related to Occupational Health and Safety. They are defined precisely by the Labor Code. In addition, the employer is obliged to ensure the safety of people who do not work at the plant, but are temporarily present there. His responsibilities include m.in.: organization of work in safe and hygienic conditions, immediate removal of any defects, compliance with orders and prohibitions of control bodies, organization of safety training or providing employees with specific guidelines related to the management of failures and defects of installations or equipment.
Consequences of lack of health and safety signage
Since the employer's obligations in the field of occupational health and safety stem directly from legal regulations, failure to comply with them will result in concrete consequences. Fines for lack of health and safety signage are usually in the form of fines. Employer is fined for exposing workers to danger. In exceptional situations, the employer may receive a warning from the inspection service and an order to make appropriate changes, such as supplementing health and safety pictograms. However, it happens, especially if the problem persists and the plant does not respond to orders from inspection authorities, that the company is shut down.
The use of health and safety signs in the workplace results from the employer's obligation to provide employees with safe and hygienic working conditions. Penalties for lack of health and safety signage, as well as failure to comply with other regulations in this area, will result in the employer's obligation to pay a fine or ultimately close the plant.
