It goes without saying that sharp objects can be very dangerous. Cuts and scrapes aren't merely painful; they can have serious consequences, including infection, blood loss, and even traumatic amputation (the loss of a limb or other body part because of an accident or injury).

For this reason, it is extremely important to clearly telegraph any sharps hazards on your premises. Sharps hazards come in a variety of different forms, and we at Label Source have a safety sign / label for just about every conceivable one - see below for examples.

'CAUTION - Sharp Blades' Sign

If your premises house a machine with sharp blades, this sign should be placed close to the equipment in question to warn workers and others of the safety risk. We also stock safety signs for machinery with rotating cutters or blades.

'CAUTION - SHARP OBJECTS INSIDE' Label

These self-adhesive dispatch labels can be placed on packages, bags, and cartons containing sharp objects (e.g. needles, blades) that might cause injury if handled improperly. The labels are made of flourescent paper for extra visibility.

Sharps Disposal & Needlestick Injuries Poster

In the unfortunate event of a needlestick injury (or an accident involving another type of sharp object), it's important to know how to react. Displaying this poster on your premises will ensure that the key information is always close at hand; the poster also features instructions for the safe disposal of sharp objects.

Click here to browse Label Source's full range of safety signs.

Today marks the final day of Great Britain Health and Wellbeing Week 2016, so we thought that we would take some time to reflect of the aims of the movement, and what this means for workplace health. In recent times, it has come to light that the 'health' aspect of 'health and safety' has been somewhat neglected over the years, which has led to a call for increased awareness about the health issues facing British workers.

In order to encourage lasting and continual improvements to workplace health in the UK, this week has been all about encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of others. This has included a particular emphasis on the workplace, where employees will need to understand the possible impact that ill health could have on their working life. For employers, this also calls for a need to monitor and prevent workplace health issues, which may arise from hazards and working conditions.

Here are Just Some of the Most Prominent Workplace Health Issues:

Respiratory Diseases 

(Breathing protection signs)

Cause: Respiratory diseases are caused by hazardous substances in the air, such as dusts, fumes, gases and more. 

Effects: Inhalation of these substances can cause damage to the lungs and airways, and can sometimes lead to damage in other parts of the body, should hazardous agents spread to other areas. Illnesses caused by this damage include, asthma, rhinitis, COPD, pneumoconiosis, cancer and more.

Prevention: These diseases can be prevented by conducting regular inspections of workplaces, following recommended guidelines, educating employees, and providing the correct PPE.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

(Manual handling signs) 

Cause: These disorders are often caused by the repetitive bending, twisting or lifting involved with handling heavy items, as well as by certain postures and repetitive behaviours. 

Effects: Tendon strain, tension neck syndrome, epicondylitis and degenerative disc disease, are just some of the conditions caused by manual operations. These can not only be incredibly painful, but can also lead to a loss of mobility and range of motion.

Prevention: These conditions can be prevented in the workplace, by using a combination of tailored information and equipment, to encourage safe and healthy working practices.

Occupational Cancers

(Asbestos Signs)

Cause: Occupational cancer can be cause by exposure to radiatation, chemicals and other dangerous substances, and is closely linked with the previously mentioned respiratory issues.

Effects: Exposure to certain materials can cause lung, breast, liver and skin cancers, as well as a variety of other, rarer forms of the disease. In many cases, this also causes the disease to spread to other parts of the body.

Prevention: Develop a programme which regulates and controls the presence of carcinogens in the workplace, while monitoring possible exposure. As always, the proper equipment and working procedures should be followed.

Skin Disorders 

(Hand protection signs)

Cause: Like many workplace health issues, these are also caused by exposure to certain materials and chemicals, which can happen in almost all workplaces.

Effects: One of the most common skin issues experienced in the workplace is dermatitis, but this can also range to issues such as urticaria, and in the most deadly cases:skin cancer.

 Prevention: The most simple and effective solution to this issue, is to provide protective equipment and clothing, in order to prevent dangerous chemicals from coming into contact with the skin. If possible, these substances should be avoided altogether, but if this is not possible, symptoms of possible skin issues should be regularly monitored.

Vibration-Induced Disorders 

(Vibration Safety Signs) 

Cause: Vibration injuries are a rather common workplace injury, usually caused by the use of vibrating power tools for extended periods of time.

Effects: Symptoms of these injuries can include numbness, whitening of the fingers, and a loss of dexterity/movement.

Prevention: Vibration injuries can be reduced by limiting exposure, providing specialised equipment to reduce vibration, and using the correct protective apparel, such as anti-vibration gloves.

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Heavy Lifting can be very hazardous to your workforce if done incorrectly. If you lift a heavy object carelessly you could end up pulling muscles or you could even suffer long-term damage to your back or upper limbs. 75% of injuries caused by manual lifting can be avoided if workers have been trained and shown how to lift safely. Here at Label Source we have a range of Manual Lifting Safety Signs that help to educate workers and minimise the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

All of our lifting safety signs will help your workers comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, which refer to the lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, or supporting of heavy loads. Our range of manual lifting signs reminds employees to follow correct procedures when they're lifting heavy loads. Some of these procedures are correct lifting, seeking assistance where appropriate and following correct lifting guidelines. Failing these regulations could result in severe injuries, as well as damaged goods if these loads are dropped.

Here are a few examples of the Manual Lifting Safety Signs we supply here at Label Source:

Two Person Lifting is required

These are two person lifting safety signs inform workers when they should require assistance to lift a load due to it being either to heavy or awkward for one individual to carry. These labels come in packs of 100 and are made from self-adhesive vinyl with a clear polyester laminate. These labels are available in two sizes - 25mm x 50mm or 50mm x 100mm - are waterproof, chemical and abrasion resistant. 

Lift Correctly Symbol and Text Safety Sign

This safety sign reminds workers to adopt a safe lifting technique, to prevent any injuries or accidents from happening. This safety sign is available in two sizes - 150mm x 100mm or 300mm x 200mm - as well as a choice of two materials - Rigid Plastic or self-adhesive vinyl. This safety sign complies with ISO EN 7010 and Safety signs and signals regulations 1996.

Prevention of Injury by Correct Manual Handling Safety Sign 

This safety sign prevents workers from getting injured by outlining what the correct posture is when lifting parcels, packages or other heavy items. This safety sign is only available in rigid plastic but there is a choice of two sizes - 300mm x 200mm or 600mm x 400mm. This safety sign complies with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, ISO 7010 and Signs and Signals Regulations 1996. 

Click here to browse our full range of Manual Lifting Safety Signs 

Electric shocks cause thousands of serious injuries each year in the UK alone - even those who are lucky enough to escape electrocution (death by electric shock) can still end up suffering from burns, persistent pain, heart/respiratory problems, and numerous other consequences.

For this reason, it's extremely important that everyone does their bit to minimise the risk posed by electrical hazards. If you are responsible for managing premises that contain such hazards, it is your duty to inform those around you of the danger. This is best achieved through the use of electric shock notices: signs and labels that warn of potentially lethal electrical installations.

Here are some examples of how electric shock notices can be deployed to protect people's safety:

• Generic electrical warning signs should be placed near any electrical hazards
   
• If the specific voltage is known, it's a good idea to identify this with an appropriate label or sign

• An electric shock treatment guide may help to save a life if an incident does arise
  
  
• Electric shocks can often be prevented using the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) - put up PPE signs to remind people of this

Click here to browse Label Source's complete range of electrical notices, signs and labels.

Punch hazard signs are used to alert users to the risks and dangers of using industrial equipment such as punch presses and metal forming machines. The slide ram action on these machines can cause injuries to your hands when you're inserting the metal or other materials. Another way an injury can be caused is when a metal or other material is held or removed during blanking, stamping or during drawing production processes. These hazard signs are vitally important for preventing accidents!

We have two punch hazard signs available on our website; both are both available in either self-adhesive vinyl or rigid plastic, and they come in a variety of sizes. If you would like to view our choice of punch hazard signs, please click here. 

If you cannot find a sign that meets your requirements, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can get in touch with a member of staff by calling 0800 3761 693 or emailing info@labelsource.co.uk - we will try to solve any problems or troubles you may be experiencing.