In today’s industrial and manufacturing environments, safety isn’t just a compliance requirement — it’s a cornerstone of operational integrity. One of the simplest yet most powerful tools in the safety toolbox? Safety Labels.
From high-traffic warehouse floors to high-risk chemical labs, safety labels serve as constant reminders, educators, and protectors. When properly designed, placed, and maintained, these labels not only keep people safe but also preserve equipment, ensure legal compliance, and safeguard your brand.
Why Safety Labels Matter
Every year, thousands of workplace injuries and even fatalities are linked to improper or missing hazard communication. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 2.6 million non-fatal injuries were reported in 2023 alone. Many of these incidents could have been prevented with clear, visible, and compliant labeling.
Safety labels do more than alert — they inform. A label near a moving machine part may prevent a finger from being lost. A warning about high voltage could save a life. And a simple “slippery when wet” message can save your company from a costly injury lawsuit.
The Legal and Regulatory Backbone of Safety Labels
Labels are required by a host of regulatory bodies, including:
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
- GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals)
- FDA (for healthcare and food labeling)
Neglecting these requirements can lead to fines, legal action, and reputational damage.
Branding, Liability, and Consumer Trust
When a workplace accident occurs, investigations don’t just focus on training — they look at signage, labels, and visibility. An improperly labeled product, container, or area can lead to lawsuits or product recalls. Moreover, when labels peel, fade, or become unreadable, the message disappears — and so does your defense.
Consumers, vendors, and auditors view well-labeled environments as an extension of brand trust. Companies that prioritize effective labeling demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, and care.
What Makes a Good Safety Label?
Effective safety labels must be:
- Durable – resistant to chemicals, UV, abrasion, and temperature.
- Compliant – meets current OSHA/ANSI standards.
- Clear – large, legible type; consistent iconography; strong color contrast.
- Strategic – placed where it matters most; with redundancy where necessary.
Why Do Labels Go Wrong?
We’ve seen incidents where outdated labels led to incorrect chemical mixing. Or where faded print left workers unaware of voltage levels. These “small” oversights had massive consequences — from injuries to equipment failure to six-figure lawsuits.
Avoiding these outcomes starts with a strong labeling partner.
Which agency regulates food safety and labeling?
In the United States, food safety and labeling are primarily regulated by two federal agencies: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The FDA oversees labeling for most packaged foods, including nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and allergen disclosures. The USDA regulates meat, poultry, and certain egg products, ensuring labeling accuracy and compliance with safety standards. As your labeling partner, we stay up to date on both FDA and USDA requirements to help ensure your products meet all federal regulations before they hit the shelf.
Why Whitlam Group?
At Whitlam Group, we don’t just print safety labels — we engineer them. Our in-house lab and labeling experts will ensure a label solution that will function flawlessly in the environment they are applied in.
From dual-layer peel-off labels for chemicals to high-temp adhesives for machinery, we’ve been protecting businesses and their teams for over 60 years. Contact us today for more information!