How Signage Can Help Keep Staff Safe from Spreading COVID-19

In January 2020, Sign Palace, Inc. received its first request to design and print signage to inform the public on the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In response to the pandemic, the Sign Palace, Inc. team produced hundreds of signs and print collateral as businesses updated their policies and procedures based on the developing information on the virus. As Illinois revised its guidelines based on Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommendations at times our team was redesigning and printing updated signs for the same businesses multiple times per week. 

As the world continues to learn more about the spread of COVID-19, we wanted to share some of the lessons we have learned on how signs can help keep staff and the public safe from spreading COVID-19:

  1. Ensure handwashing signs in restrooms. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends safe work practices include employers promoting personal hygiene in the workplace by providing hand soap and disinfectants, requiring regular hand washing, and posting handwashing signs in restrooms. [1]
  • Inform employees of the symptoms of COVID-19. Employers should not assume workers and customers are aware of the symptoms of COVID-19. OSHA recommends employers inform and encourage employees to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 if they suspect possible exposure, and to train employees on what to do if they feel sick. [2]
  • Information on updated policies and procedures. As information continues to evolve from state and national public serving organizations, it is important that businesses update their policies and procedures and educate employees on changes. Posters and A-frame signage are an inexpensive way to update employees on new procedures and can be updated quickly. 
  • Social distancing and mask reminders. Eye catching signage can act as a friendly reminder as employees adjust to new social distancing guidelines and mask requirements/recommendations. Temporary adhesive vinyl stickers should be spaced six feet a part in high traffic areas to encourage distancing and reduce the spread of the virus. 
  • Signage at entrances. In Illinois, masks are required at many businesses; therefore, signage near the entrance helps remind employees to bring their mask from the car, and a posting in the breakroom or lunch area reminds staff to re-affix their mask after eating and drinking.  
  • Include motivational posters. To combat the stress COVID-19 brings to a majority of Americans[3]many individuals, businesses, and communities are using signage to spread hope and cheer. Hanging a banner thanking essential workers, or spreading an encouraging message increases workplace morale during an unprecedented time. Although this idea does not decrease the spread of COVID-19, we support our signage colleagues who are disseminating cheer! 

[1] https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

[2] https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

[3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/washington-post-ipsos-coronavirus-employment-survey-april-27-may-4/4bd8dd8b-1257-4d5f-b3c1-0af6c38f060d/?itid=lk_inline_manual_2&itid=lk_inline_manual_3&itid=lk_inline_manual_10https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2020-05-15/majority-of-americans-worry-about-bringing-coronavirus-home-from-work-poll-finds