Abstract

Each year, the Netherlands Labour Authority investigates around 2000 workplace accidents. Occupational health and safety professionals have already taken many measures to prevent such accidents in companies. One of the ways to ensure that workers apply safe working practices is to deploy symbols, lines, and markings in the workplace. Together, these are known as ‘visual information’. RIVM has researched how visual information in the workplace is being used and whether this is in accordance with scientific guidelines.

This study found that visual information is already being deployed correctly to a large extent. However, there are some points for attention to improve the use of visual information. Workers have a good understanding of most information in the workplace, but not all of it. In addition, most workers in this study pay no attention to the information while at work, for example because they believe this is unnecessary.

When applying symbols, markings and lines, companies have to consider various factors. These include who the visual information is intended for, the environment in which it is presented, and what it looks like. For example, it is important that specific visual information has the same appearance throughout the workplace. Otherwise, workers may get confused as to its meaning. Furthermore, presenting too much information in once place creates the risk that workers do not take everything on board.

RIVM has created a handy overview of these points for attention. Little research has been done so far into how visual information affects worker behaviour. What is known, however, is that attention, understanding and motivation to act on the information are key prerequisites for achieving the desired behaviour.

For this study, RIVM interviewed occupational health and safety professionals as well as workers. It also examined whether the use of visual information was in accordance with the guidance in the scientific literature.