By Paul Orr NEMA Program Manager, Grid Sector
Proactive and effective communication is the backbone of workplace safety. At NEMA, we bring together industry experts to establish and maintain more than 1,100 consensus standards and technical documents that promote safety, quality, and reliability across the electroindustry.
One of the most impactful sets of standards in workplace safety is the NEMA/ANSI Z535 Series—a comprehensive framework designed to reduce risks and prevent accidents by ensuring clear, consistent safety messaging. These standards guide the design, format, colors, and symbols used in safety signs, labels, and manuals across industries, from manufacturing plants to construction sites.
Dating back to 1945, the NEMA/ANSI Z535.1 standard originated as an American War Standard, developed at the request of the War Department. Over the years, these standards evolved into an essential tool for modern workplaces. Today, the practical and user-friendly approach to these standards has enhanced their adoption and impact across industries. For example, construction companies using NEMA/ANSI Z535-compliant signage have seen significant reductions in fall hazards, and gate manufacturers adopting NEMA/ANSI Z535.4-compliant safety labels have improved worker awareness of machinery risks, leading to fewer workplace injuries. In other cases, ANSI Z535 standards enhance product safety and reduce liability concerns by ensuring clear and consistent safety labeling. These results underscore the importance of clear, standardized safety communication in preventing accidents and saving lives.
As workplaces become more digitized, safety communication must evolve. Enter NEMA/ANSI Z535.7, the newest addition to the NEMA/ANSI Z535 Series, published in 2024. This standard addresses the growing need for consistent and effective safety messaging in electronic media—including apps and websites, videos, augmented reality, and on-product electronic displays. Unlike traditional printed safety materials, electronic media presents new challenges: dynamic content, varying screen sizes, and interactive elements. NEMA/ANSI Z535.7 outlines a communication system that ensures safety messages remain clear, standardized, and universally understood—regardless of format.
Beyond setting standards, NEMA actively collaborates with organizations to drive real-world safety improvements. Through our partnership with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), we:
- Analyze data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to identify electrical safety trends.
- Raise awareness about standards, best practices, and new safety innovations.
- Develop industry-leading resources to help workers make informed safety decisions every day.
We do this with the ultimate goal of zero electrical safety incidents in the workplace.
With nearly 100 years of standards-setting experience at NEMA, and 80 years of knowledge incorporated into the NEMA/ANSI Z535 standards, NEMA and ESFI continue to lead the charge in creating safe workplaces – whether in offices, construction sites, or manufacturing facilities. Safety starts with communication. By adopting NEMA/ANSI Z535 standards, businesses can enhance workplace safety, reduce risks, and protect their employees.