What is the importance of safety signage according to EM 385-1-1?

Safety signage plays a vital role in maintaining a safe working environment as highlighted in EM 385-1-1. Its primary importance lies in providing critical information and warnings to employees. This includes alerts about potential hazards, instructions on safe practices, and guidance for emergency situations.

Properly placed signage can quickly communicate important messages, ensuring that workers are aware of dangers and the necessary precautions they must take while on-site. This kind of communication is essential for promoting safety culture and awareness among all personnel, ultimately helping to prevent accidents and injuries.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of safety signage. While decoration is irrelevant to the safety function of signage, minimizing the need for personal protective equipment does not accurately reflect the role of signage, which complements but does not substitute for PPE practices. Lastly, while it can support verbal communication, safety signage is not a replacement but rather an additional means of conveying important safety information.