What I need to display on information board?

A Workplace Safety Information Board is a critical tool for ensuring employee awareness of occupational safety, emergency procedures, and legal compliance with OSHA regulations. Under 29 CFR Part 1910 (General Industry) and 29 CFR Part 1926 (Construction), employers must display specific health and safety information prominently. In addition, state OSHA programs (e.g., Cal/OSHA, MIOSHA) may impose further requirements. Below is a structured guide on what should be included on an OSHA-compliant safety board.

OSHA Mandatory Notices and General Safety Information

• OSHA “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” Poster – This federally required poster outlines worker rights and employer obligations under OSHA (29 CFR 1903.2). Employers operating under a state OSHA plan must display the state-equivalent version.
• Summary of Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities – A notice reinforcing key OSHA rights (safe workplace, hazard reporting, anti-retaliation protections) and employer obligations (providing PPE, training, hazard communication).
• Company Safety Policy Statement – A signed statement from management detailing safety commitments, PPE policies, and compliance with OSHA standards.
• OSHA Contact Information – Display OSHA’s hotline (1-800-321-OSHA) and website. Include internal safety contacts for employees to report hazards and workplace incidents.
• Names of Safety Personnel – A list of safety managers, first aid responders, fire wardens, and the designated OSHA “Competent Person” for hazardous site conditions.

Emergency Procedures & Fire Safety

• Emergency Contact Numbers – 911, local emergency responders, onsite first aid and security teams. OSHA requires emergency contact information to be easily accessible (29 CFR 1926.50).
• Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan – Exit routes, assembly points, fire extinguisher locations, and instructions on what to do in case of a fire alarm. Complies with 29 CFR 1910.38.
• First Aid and Medical Response – Locations of first aid kits, eyewash stations, and trained first responders on each shift. OSHA mandates that first aid be available in all workplaces (29 CFR 1910.151 & 1926.50).
• Accident Reporting – Instructions on how to report workplace injuries, near-misses, and incidents in compliance with OSHA’s recordkeeping rule (29 CFR 1904.32).

OSHA Recordkeeping & Compliance Notices

• OSHA 300A Injury and Illness Summary – If required, employers must post the OSHA 300A log from February 1 to April 30 annually (29 CFR 1904.32), summarizing workplace injuries and illnesses.
• OSHA Citations & Notices – Any workplace safety violations or citations must be posted in a prominent location for at least 3 working days (29 CFR 1903.16).
• State-Specific OSHA Posters – Employers in state OSHA program jurisdictions (e.g., California, Michigan, Oregon) must display state-mandated workplace safety posters.
• Employer’s Liability Insurance Certificate – If required by state law, display proof of workplace insurance coverage for employees.

Hazard Warnings & PPE Compliance

• Hazard Communication Program – Display OSHA’s Right-to-Know notice for hazardous chemicals (29 CFR 1910.1200 & 1926.59).
• PPE Requirements – Signs indicating mandatory PPE (e.g., hard hats, hearing protection, respirators) for specific work areas. OSHA PPE standards: 29 CFR 1910.132 & 1926.28.
• Safety Signs & Machine Warnings – “Danger,” “Caution,” “Warning” labels in compliance with ANSI Z535 and OSHA’s signage standards (29 CFR 1910.145).
• Chemical Hazard Labels (GHS/CLP Standard) – Workplaces using hazardous substances must post GHS-compliant hazard labels and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) locations.
• Restricted Access & No-Smoking Zones – Areas with hazards like high-voltage machinery, flammable substances, or lockout/tagout should be clearly marked.

A properly maintained Workplace Safety Information Board helps ensure compliance with OSHA safety regulations while promoting employee awareness of hazards, emergency procedures, and worker rights. Employers should regularly update the board to reflect new OSHA regulations, workplace changes, and site-specific hazards. By following this guide, businesses can meet federal and state OSHA requirements, creating a safer and more compliant workplace.

A workplace safety and health information board should include key postings and notices that comply with federal OSHA requirements and reflect best practices. Below is a structured list of recommended and legally required content for such a board, suitable for both factory/workshop (General Industry, 29 CFR Part 1910) and construction site settings (29 CFR Part 1926). This guidance covers general safety information, emergency procedures, mandatory OSHA postings, and hazard warnings, and highlights the need to check state-specific OSHA programs (e.g. Cal/OSHA, MIOSHA) or industry-specific rules for additional requirements.

General Workplace Safety and Health Information

• OSHA “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” Poster (Worker Rights): Federally mandated poster informing workers of their rights under the OSH Act. All covered employers must post this in a conspicuous place​. The poster outlines workers’ rights (e.g. the right to a safe workplace, to raise concerns without retaliation, to report injuries, etc.) and employer responsibilities under OSHA​. It also provides contact information for OSHA (including the 1-800-321-OSHA hotline) so employees know how to get assistance or file a complaint​. (If your workplace is under a state OSHA plan, you must post the state’s equivalent safety and health poster instead of or in addition to the federal version​)
• Summary of Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities: It’s good practice to post a brief outline of worker rights (e.g. the right to a workplace free of recognized hazards, to receive safety training in a language they understand, to report hazards or injuries without fear of retaliation, and to see OSHA inspection results or injury logs​) and employer obligations (e.g. duty to provide safe equipment, training, and PPE, and comply with OSHA standards). Much of this information is covered by the OSHA poster, but a company-specific notice or handbook excerpt can reinforce these points. Federal law requires employers to keep the workplace free of known dangers and prohibits retaliation against workers for raising safety concerns​.
• Company Safety Policy and Safety Program Information: Display the employer’s own safety and health policy statement or a “safety commitment” letter from management. Include any key safety rules or required safety policies that workers should know (for example, policies on PPE usage, lockout/tagout, equipment operation, etc.). If the company has written safety programs mandated by OSHA (such as a Hazard Communication Program, Respiratory Protection Program, etc.), the board can indicate where employees can find these documents or whom to ask (e.g. “Hazard Communication Program is available from the Safety Manager”). This supports OSHA’s requirement that safety information be available and understandable to workers​.
• OSHA Contact Information and Reporting Channels: Ensure the board has clear information on how to contact OSHA and internal safety contacts. This typically includes OSHA’s hotline number (1-800-321-6742 (OSHA)) and website, as well as contact details for the nearest OSHA Area Office​. Also provide instructions for employees to report safety issues internally (e.g. the name/phone of a safety officer or supervisor to whom hazards or injuries should be reported). This encourages early reporting of hazards and shows the company’s commitment to addressing safety concerns. (Remember, OSHA requires that employees be informed of how to report injuries and that they can do so without retaliation, which is often satisfied by the OSHA poster​.)
• Names of Safety Personnel and Committees: Post the names and contact info of designated safety personnel, such as the safety manager, shift safety captains, first aid responders, or the OSHA-required “competent person” on construction sites for relevant tasks. If the workplace has a safety committee, you might list the members or schedule of meetings (if employees are involved). This helps workers know who to turn to with safety questions or suggestions.

Emergency Procedures

• Emergency Contact Numbers: Prominently post emergency phone numbers for quick reference. This should include external emergency services (fire department, ambulance, police – typically 911 in the US) and internal contacts for emergencies (on-site first aid station, plant nurse, emergency response team, security desk, etc.). OSHA recommends posting emergency telephone numbers on or near workplace phones​. In fact, for construction sites in areas without 911 service, OSHA requires posting the phone numbers of physicians, hospitals, or ambulances for medical emergencies​. Even if 911 is available, listing an address or directions for emergency responders can be helpful in case someone needs to call from a cell phone or inform responders of the exact location.
• Evacuation Routes and Assembly Points: The board should display the facility’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or at least a summary diagram of emergency escape routes. Post an evacuation map showing exit routes, evacuation assembly areas, and locations of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, alarm pull stations). OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.38 for general industry) require workplaces to have an emergency action plan outlining evacuation procedures and to review it with employees​. Even on a construction site, where a formal EAP may not always be required unless specific hazards warrant it, it’s a best practice to communicate how to evacuate in emergencies. Mark the primary and secondary exits and designated meeting point outside the building where workers should congregate after an evacuation​. Clear evacuation information helps ensure everyone knows what to do during fires, chemical spills, or other emergencies.
• Fire and Emergency Response Instructions: Include specific fire safety procedures. This can be a brief outline of what to do if a fire alarm sounds or if a worker discovers a fire (e.g. “Activate the nearest alarm pull station and call 911, then evacuate via the nearest exit. Use a fire extinguisher only if you’ve been trained, the fire is small, and you have a safe exit route.”). If the company has a Fire Prevention Plan (required by 29 CFR 1910.39 in some cases), you can post key points (like keeping fire doors unblocked, handling flammable materials safely, and who is responsible for using fire extinguishers). Also indicate the alarm signals used (e.g. siren, whooping alarm, public address announcements) so employees recognize them​. Ensure that fire extinguisher locations and fire alarm pull boxes are marked (usually with signs at their physical location as required by OSHA/NFPA), and consider adding a note on the board like “Fire extinguishers are located at… (marked by red signs).”
• First Aid and Medical Response: Post information about first aid availability and procedures. Identify the location of first aid kits and eyewash/shower stations, and list the names of trained first-aid/CPR personnel on each shift. OSHA regulations require employers to ensure prompt first aid treatment is available (29 CFR 1910.151 for general industry and 29 CFR 1926.50 for construction) and, in construction, to post emergency medical contact information when 911 is not readily available​. Even with 911, it’s wise to list the address or directions for the worksite to give to emergency services. The board can also outline the procedure for reporting an injury or illness: for example, “Report all accidents, injuries, and near-misses to your supervisor immediately. An accident report form is available [location] and must be filled out for recordkeeping.” This not only helps workers get timely medical care, but also reminds the employer of their duty to log incidents and (for severe cases) to notify OSHA (e.g. OSHA requires employers to report any work-related fatality within 8 hours, and inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours​).
• Emergency Equipment and Shutdown Procedures: If applicable, post any special instructions for emergency shutdown of equipment or processes (for instance, how to shut off fuel lines, electricity, or machinery in an emergency if someone is assigned to do so). Also, if certain employees have emergency roles (like fire wardens or spill response team members), list those roles. OSHA’s emergency planning guidelines emphasize that workers should know who is in charge during an emergency and their individual responsibilities​. Including a brief checklist or names (e.g. “Incident Commander: [Name]” or “Spill Response Kit located at [X] – contact [Name] if a spill occurs”) on the board can reinforce training and preparedness.

Display of Legal Requirements and Notices

• Mandatory Federal OSHA Postings: Federal OSHA regulations require certain postings to be maintained on the safety board (or wherever employee notices are usually posted):
  • “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law!” Poster: Mandatory. As noted, every employer under OSHA jurisdiction must display this poster informing employees of OSHA rights and the OSH Act’s provisions​. The poster (OSHA publication 3165) outlines that employees are entitled to a safe workplace and can contact OSHA for help. Employers must post it conspicuously and not obscure or deface it​. (In states with OSHA-approved plans, post the state-specific equivalent poster​.)
  • OSHA Injury/Illness Annual Summary (OSHA Form 300A): Mandatory for many employers. If your company is required to keep OSHA injury and illness logs (most employers with >10 employees, except certain low-risk industries), you must post the annual summary (Form 300A) of the previous year’s injuries and illnesses. This summary, which shows total injuries, must be certified by a company executive and posted every year from February 1 to April 30​ in a place where employees can see it. The requirement to post this summary is in 29 CFR 1904.32(a)(4)​. Make sure the summary is up to date each year and remove it after April 30.
  • OSHA Citations and Notices: Mandatory if applicable. If the company has been inspected by OSHA and received any citations or violations, those citation notices must be posted near the location of the hazard (or if that’s not practical, in a prominent place) until the violation is corrected or for at least 3 working days, whichever is longer​. This is required by 29 CFR 1903.16. The board is a typical place to post copies of citations, but ensure they are also near the specific equipment/area cited if required. Additionally, any OSHA abatement verification documents (proof that you fixed a cited hazard) or settlement agreements that require posting should be displayed as instructed by OSHA.
• Other Federal and State Labor Law Posters (Safety/Health Related): Besides the core OSHA poster, there are other notices employers often post on their information boards for legal compliance. While these may go beyond pure safety/health, they are commonly found on the same board or adjacent:
  • Access to Medical and Exposure Records Notice: OSHA’s standard on access to employee exposure and medical records (29 CFR 1910.1020) requires employers to inform workers of their rights to access these records. Many employers satisfy this by posting a notice to employees about the availability of exposure and medical records. (The OSHA poster alone does not cover this requirement​.) It’s wise to post a brief notice that tells employees they can request their exposure monitoring results or medical records and where to do so.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Certification: If the workplace has performed the required PPE hazard assessment (29 CFR 1910.132), keep the written certification available. While not required to be posted, some employers put a notice on the board like “PPE Hazard Assessment completed – PPE required for tasks A, B, C” as a reminder.
  • Employee Rights (Other posters): There are other federally required posters (e.g. for minimum wage, Family and Medical Leave Act, Equal Employment Opportunity, etc.) that might be on a “general” bulletin board. While not directly related to safety, they are often colocated. For example, many state labor departments provide a composite poster. Ensure that if your safety board is the main place for notices, these are included as required. (Posting requirements vary by law; not every employer needs every poster – use the DOL Advisor tool to check​.)
• State OSHA and Local Requirements: If you operate in a state with an OSHA-approved State Plan (such as California, Michigan, Oregon, etc.), you must comply with that state’s posting and notice requirements in addition to or instead of federal OSHA’s:
  • Post the state-specific OSHA poster (which generally contains similar information about worker rights, but tailored to state law). For instance, California employers must post the “Safety and Health Protection on the Job” notice (Cal/OSHA), Michigan employers post the MIOSHA equivalent, etc. State-plan posters are considered equivalent to the federal OSHA poster​ – OSHA accepts the state version for compliance in that state.
  • Some states may mandate additional postings. For example, Cal/OSHA requires a notice about the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) or other state-specific programs, and some states have notices regarding workers’ compensation, toxic substance disclosures, smoking policies, or emergency phone numbers. Always check your state labor department or state OSHA website for required posters​. These can usually be obtained for free, similar to federal posters.
  • Industry-Specific Notices: Certain industries have special requirements. For instance, if you operate in construction, OSHA’s construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926) sometimes require on-site notices specific to the project (like a trenching permit or engineering survey for excavations in some jurisdictions, or a warning sign if using asbestos or lead on site per 29 CFR 1926.1101 and 1926.62). Maritime and agriculture sectors have their own OSHA standards (29 CFR Parts 1915, 1917, 1918 for maritime, and Part 1928 for agriculture) which may require posting certain operating rules or summaries of regulations. While these might not all go on a general bulletin board, be aware of them. Always ensure compliance with any posting or signage requirements specific to your industry’s regulations or to site-specific conditions (e.g. permit-required confined space entry permit posted at the entry, laser warning signs, etc., as applicable).
• Best Practice Compliance Aids: It’s often helpful to include reference charts or materials that, while not “mandatory,” support compliance and worker knowledge. For example, a chart of federal and state safety hotline numbers, a flowchart of how to handle a safety concern, or reminders of upcoming OSHA training or drills can be posted. These aren’t legally required, but they show a proactive safety culture. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and OSHA publish many free educational posters and fact sheets (e.g. on ladder safety, heat stress, noise/hearing protection, etc.) that can be rotated onto the board to keep safety awareness high. Using such materials is considered a best practice to supplement the required content.

(Note: Posting requirements can vary by state and situation, so not every poster or notice applies to all employers​. For instance, very small businesses or low-hazard industries might be exempt from certain OSHA recordkeeping postings, and federal contractors might have additional safety-related postings. Always tailor your board’s content to what’s legally required for your operations.)

Hazard Warnings and Safety Signage

The safety board should also highlight information on specific hazards present in the workplace and the warnings or signs related to them. This ensures employees are aware of hazards and the precautions to take, reinforcing OSHA’s Hazard Communication and safety signage standards.

• Hazard Communication (Chemical Safety) Information: If your workplace uses hazardous chemicals, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200 for general industry, applicable to construction via 1926.59) requires that employees be informed about chemical hazards. On the board, provide a summary of the “Right-to-Know” information:
  • Indicate where employees can find the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals (e.g. “SDS binders are located at the safety office and in the maintenance shop”).
  • Post a list of key chemical hazards on site or the labeling system used. For example, if you use the GHS pictograms, you might display a chart of the GHS hazard symbols and their meanings as a quick reference for workers.
  • Include instructions that containers must be labeled and that employees have a right to know the hazards and protections for each chemical​. A brief statement like “All chemical containers must have a hazard label – no unmarked bottles!” can remind everyone of this policy.
  • If any chemical-specific OSHA standards apply (like for lead, asbestos, silica), note that areas with those hazards will be marked with appropriate warning signs and that workers should refer to posted signs and training for required precautions.
  • NIOSH Best Practice: Providing clear, visible information about chemical hazards helps ensure the required hazard communication program is effective. NIOSH recommends that hazard information be not only available but understandable to workers​ – posting simplified charts or multilingual notices (if you have non-English-speaking workers) can help achieve this.
• General Safety Signage (ANSI/OSHA Signs):Warning signs for specific hazards should be used around the workplace per OSHA standards. While many of these signs are posted at the point of the hazard (e.g. machine-specific warnings, confined space signs at tank entries, “Danger – High Voltage” on electrical panels), the bulletin board can explain or feature examples of these signs so workers know what to look for:
  • “Danger”, “Warning”, “Caution” Signs: OSHA specifies that danger signs be used for immediate hazards that will cause death or serious injury if not avoided, and caution signs for potentially hazardous situations that could cause minor or moderate injuries​. These signs have standardized colors (e.g. red for Danger, yellow for Caution) and symbols. It’s recommended (and effectively required by updated OSHA rules) to use ANSI Z535-style signs that have consistent colors, signal words, and pictograms for easy understanding​. For example, a “Danger: Confined Space – Permit Required” sign or “Warning: Hearing Protection Required” sign should follow the standard format. Posting a key or legend on the board explaining that “DANGER = immediate threat, WARNING = serious hazard, CAUTION = precaution” helps reinforce training. ANSI Z535 standards “assign specific symbols and colors for particular warnings and hazards” so that anyone can instantly recognize the level of danger. Adopting these standards is considered best practice, and OSHA has incorporated many of these criteria into its regulations​.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Notices: Clearly indicate required PPE for the site or certain areas. For instance, post signs or labels that say “Hard Hat Area,” “Safety Glasses Required,” or pictograms of required PPE at entrances to departments or when exiting the locker room. On the safety board, you might have a reminder: “All visitors and employees beyond this point must wear safety glasses and steel-toe boots,” etc. This aligns with OSHA requirements that employers provide necessary PPE and training; while OSHA may not require a specific sign for PPE, using signs is an effective way to communicate those requirements in accordance with ANSI/NIOSH best practices for visual communication. NIOSH encourages using visual cues (like icons) to quickly convey required protections, which is especially helpful in noisy environments or for workers with limited English proficiency.
  • Equipment and Process Safety Signs: Ensure that any machinery or process that has particular hazards is addressed with signage. Lockout/Tagout stations should have warnings like “Lock Out Power Before Servicing – OSHA 1910.147” tags or signs. Areas with combustible dust or flammable liquids might have “No Smoking / No Open Flames” signs (also often required by fire code). If forklifts or vehicles operate, “Pedestrian Traffic – Hi-Lo Intersection” caution signs or mirror setups should be in place. The board can include a notice like “Powered industrial trucks operate in this area – use caution” to remind everyone of vehicular hazards.
  • Emergency Equipment Signs: Check that signs for emergency showers, eyewash stations, first aid kits, and exits are all in place as required. While these are normally posted on-site (e.g. a green sign above a first aid kit), the board could have a list of where these items are or a large green cross symbol with “First Aid Kit – located in break room” for awareness.
  • Reporting Hazard Signs: Some companies use a “Safety Suggestion” or “Hazard Reporting” station on the board – essentially a pocket for cards or forms where employees can write up hazards or near misses anonymously. If you include this, add a sign on the board: “See a hazard? Report it!” with instructions.
• Consistent and Compliant Sign Design: Emphasize that all hazard warning signs should conform to OSHA/ANSI design conventions for clarity. OSHA’s standard for safety signs (29 CFR 1910.145 for general industry, and 29 CFR 1926.200 for construction) is aligned with ANSI Z535 specifications for color coding and format​. This means using the standardized Danger (red/black/white), Warning (orange/black), Caution (yellow/black), and Notice (blue/white) signage as appropriate. For biological hazards, use the biohazard symbol with orange or red per the standard. The benefit of following ANSI Z535 is that any worker or visitor can instantly recognize the type of hazard and required precautions by the sign’s color and symbols​. Ensure any custom signs (those made in-house) also meet these standards – e.g. have rounded corners, not hand-written scribbles, and use pictograms if possible, so they are professional and not confusing​.
• Continuous Improvement / NIOSH Guidance: Keep the hazard information current. If a new hazard is introduced (new chemical, new machine), update the board and site signs accordingly. NIOSH often publishes guidance and research on hazard warnings – for example, studies on sign comprehension or new labeling methods. While not law, these can be used to improve your communication. One good practice from NIOSH and OSHA is to use multiple modes of communication for hazards: a written sign, a pictogram, and training/verbal communication. The board can support this by combining text with visuals (e.g. a large GHS flame symbol with the text “Flammable Liquids – keep ignition sources away”). By aligning with NIOSH recommendations and ANSI standards, you ensure hazard warnings are as effective as possible in protecting workers.

Important: The above recommendations follow federal OSHA requirements and guidelines. Employers should always verify and comply with any additional state or industry-specific rules that apply:

• State OSHA Programs: About half of U.S. states operate their own OSHA-approved state plans (e.g. California’s Cal/OSHA, Michigan’s MIOSHA, Washington’s WA-DOSH). These state plans must meet or exceed federal OSHA standards. This means they often have similar posting requirements (and usually, their own versions of posters​) but they may also have unique regulations. Always check your state’s OSHA agency for any extra required content on safety boards. For example, some states require posters about state-specific safety and health laws or injury prevention programs. “Employers in states operating OSHA-approved state plans should obtain and post the state’s equivalent poster.”​. State plan websites or offices will list all mandatory postings and any other notices (the federal DOL Poster Advisor can direct you to state info as well​).
• Industry-Specific Requirements: Certain industries or regulatory environments have their own mandates. If you’re in mining, OSHA doesn’t apply but MSHA does – and MSHA has its own posting rules (such as displaying the Mine ID and emergency phone numbers in mines). If you handle large quantities of hazardous chemicals, you might fall under EPA or DHS rules (like Risk Management Plan notices or chemical inventory reporting) that could require community notifications or signs. Construction sites often have to post project-specific safety plans or permits (like trenching permits, scaffold tags, etc.). Always identify any special regulations for your industry and ensure those documents or signs are posted as required, either on the main board or at the required location.
• How to Determine Additional Requirements: To ensure full compliance, consult official resources. OSHA’s website and the U.S. Department of Labor provide tools like the elaws Poster Advisor to help determine which federal posters are needed​. For state requirements, check with your state Department of Labor or state OSHA – they often publish a list of required workplace postings​. Additionally, review the OSHA standards applicable to your industry (29 CFR 1910 for general industry, 1926 for construction, etc.) and look for any “notification” or “posting” provisions. Many employers also seek guidance from safety professionals, industry associations, or legal counsel to make sure nothing is overlooked. Regularly updating your safety board at least annually (or whenever regulations change) is a good practice.

In summary, a well-maintained Workplace Safety and Health Information Board will include general safety rights and policies, emergency instructions, required OSHA postings, and hazard-specific warnings. It serves as a daily visual reminder of the company’s safety program and legal obligations. Always use the federal OSHA framework as the baseline for content, and then add any state or industry-specific postings to stay compliant with all applicable laws. By doing so, you create a safety information center that not only meets legal requirements but also promotes a culture of safety and health in the workplace.