Workplace safety is about more than fire alarms, although they are critical! It encompasses both physical and digital security. With the constant onslaught of cyber threats and the ongoing need to address physical hazards, digital signage provides a proactive and engaging way to inform and protect employees. By effectively delivering information, fostering awareness, and guiding employees through proper protocols, digital signage can create a safer environment.

Digital signage isn't just about sharing news, weather, and advertisements; it can also be leveraged to deliver timely, targeted safety messages. Screens can be deployed across the workplace—from entryways to lunch rooms to hallways to warehouses—providing employees and visitors with vital, real-time safety information. By leveraging visually engaging content, digital signage can help employees remember safety guidelines, follow protocols, and act swiftly during emergencies.

Digital signage offers significant advantages over static print signage because it is dynamic, easily updated, and can incorporate a variety of media, including videos, animations, and live data. Connecting fire and security systems to a print sign isn't an option, but with digital signage, these systems can be integrated, and real-time information can be shared on screens. This versatility makes it ideal for communicating complex physical and digital safety information in an accessible way.

Enhancing Physical Safety through Digital Signage

Physical safety in the workplace is a top priority in virtually every industry. Research suggests safety and health communications through channels like digital signage reduce injury and illness rates by 20% or greater.

Digital signage can be leveraged to:

Promote awareness of safety protocols - Provide regular reminders of safety procedures on digital signage across the organization. Leverage eye-catching graphics and videos to provide step-by-step visual guides and reminders of evacuation procedures, safety and security protocols, fire exits, and more. These reminders can help reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by forgetfulness or complacency.

Share hazard and incident alerts - Digital signage can play a critical role in hazard alert systems. In environments with fluctuating risk levels, such as laboratories, factories, or construction sites, digital signage can provide real-time information for employees on current hazards. Integrating digital signage with sensors or Internet of Things (IoT) devices enables organizations to automate real-time alerts and trigger safety warnings on screens when sensors detect things such as gas leaks, excessive noise, or temperature fluctuations. In emergencies like fires, digital signs can be configured to display evacuation routes, providing employees with clear directions for a safe exit.

Display safety metrics and goals - Leverage digital signage to foster a safety-conscious culture. Display safety metrics and goals to keep employees informed of safety initiatives and reinforce a sense of collective responsibility. For example, signs in common areas can show the number of days without an incident, safety targets, or even reminders about near-miss reporting.

Direct traffic and crowd Control - In large workplaces or high-traffic buildings, digital signage can be used inside and outside the building to guide foot and vehicle traffic. Digital screens can indicate which parking lot entrances and doors to use and suggest alternative routes during peak times.

Provide emergency response and evacuation Guidance - Quick, clear communication is essential when an emergency arises. Digital signage enables organizations to provide real-time updates to guide employees and visitors through emergencies. Digital signs can direct people to the nearest exit during an evacuation and provide updates on safe zones or areas to avoid. Screens can also display emergency contact information and response protocols, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the site can follow safety procedures.

Additionally, digital signage software can be connected to fire alarms, and screens can transition instantly from regular messaging to emergency-specific guidance when an alarm is triggered.

Using Digital Signage to Combat Digital Security Threats

Leveraging digital signage to create a safer and more secure environment also extends to the digital world. As cyber threats continue to rise, workplace safety increasingly includes digital security. The CloudStrike 2024 Global Treat Report highlighted a 75% increase in cloud intrusions. While the Egress Email Security Risk Report 2024 found that 94% of organizations had reported email security incidents in the last year. Educating employees on digital security and best practices is essential to preventing breaches, data leaks, and other cyber incidents. Digital signage is an effective way to reinforce these practices and keep employees vigilant against digital threats.

Leverage digital signage for:

Cybersecurity Awareness and Training - Highlighting ongoing cybersecurity initiatives and policies on digital screens across an organization helps normalize safe digital practices. Leverage digital signage in high-traffic areas like lunch rooms or hallways to remind employees of cybersecurity best practices. For example, creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing emails, avoiding suspicious links, encrypting sensitive data, avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or changes in company security policies.

Real-Time Security Alerts - Digital signage can play an essential role in alerting employees to immediate digital threats, particularly in organizations that handle sensitive information. For instance, if there's a detected data breach, ransomware attack, or attempted network infiltration, digital signage in the office can inform employees to log out of specific applications, shut down devices, or disconnect from the internet. Alerts can also include instructions for securing devices during a potential threat or breach.

Strengthening Compliance Awareness - Organizations that handle sensitive or regulated information often require employees to follow specific compliance standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. Digital signage can help make this information accessible and communicate these requirements in a visually appealing way that avoids overwhelming employees.

Digital signage is a vital asset in any workplace safety strategy. Its ability to communicate important information dynamically, reinforce safety protocols, and respond to emerging threats makes it a valuable investment for businesses of all types. By integrating digital signage with physical and cybersecurity systems, companies can cultivate a safety culture that keeps employees informed, vigilant, and prepared.