See. Understand. Stay safe.

Understand safety signs.

To stay safe at work, you must know about personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety signs show when you must wear protection like a helmet, gloves, or ear protection. These signs help you see dangers early and work safely. Here you can learn what the most important safety signs mean.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Always wear your personal protective equipment. It helps you stay healthy at work. Safety signs help you see quickly which protective clothing you must wear. These signs show which protection you need. For example: ear protection, safety glasses, safety shoes, or gloves. It is important that you understand these symbols. Here you can find a list of all safety signs and what they mean. Do you have questions? You can find more information about protective equipment on the page “Your personal protective equipment.”
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Table of contents

    • Protect your feet.

      Safety shoes

      his sign means: wear safety shoes. They protect your feet from crushing and injuries, especially when you work with machines.

    • Protect your hands.

      Work gloves

      This sign means: wear work gloves. They protect your skin from injuries, water, and harmful substances.

      Water can also harm your skin. If your hands are wet for a long time, the skin becomes wrinkled. This means your skin is not healthy. So wear gloves that do not let water in. But your hands can sweat in these gloves. This is also not good for your skin. So wear cotton gloves under the protective gloves. Cotton gloves absorb the sweat.

      With the right gloves, your hands stay strong – even during hard work.

    • Give your skin what it needs.

      Skin protection cream

      This sign reminds you: use protective cream. At the hand-washing place, you can find this cream. It protects your skin.

      Use the cream before work and during breaks. After work, use skin care cream.
      Never wash your hands with petrol or thinner. This damages your skin.

    • Your eyes are important.

      Safety glasses

      This sign means: protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses or a face visor.

      They protect your eyes from dust, wood chips, splinters, or liquids like cleaning products. People who wear normal glasses can also use special safety glasses.

    • Hear well for life.

      Hearing protection

      This sign means: wear hearing protection. Loud noise at work can damage your hearing.

      Inside your ears are very small cells that help you hear. If they break, they cannot heal. Then you cannot hear well anymore.

      So protect your ears and avoid loud noise as much as possible.

    • A strong head needs protection.

      Safety helmet

      This sign means: wear a safety helmet. Falling objects or hard edges can be dangerous. A helmet protects your head during many types of work.

    • For every kind of weather.

      Weather protection clothing

      This sign means: wear weather protection clothing.

      Wear warm clothes when it is cold. It is best to wear several layers. Then you can take something off if it gets warmer.

      When it rains, wear a rain jacket with a hood or a hat. Also wear waterproof shoes, for example rubber boots.

      If you do not have a rain jacket or rubber boots, ask your supervisor or your employer.

    Think smart. Stay safe.

    Important tips for your work day


    Every job has its own challenges – from going to work to using machines. Here you can find simple tips to help you stay safe, healthy, and well prepared during your work day.

    Important rules for your daily life

    Live and work safely together

    These tips help you stay safe and healthy during the day. Follow the rules – for yourself and for your team.

    Clear mind – for your safety

    No drugs. No alcohol.

    Alcohol and drugs increase the risk of accidents. Always stay sober at work. If someone breaks this rule, they may get a warning or lose their job.

    Cook only in the kitchen

    Protect yourself and others from fire


    Cooking, grilling, or frying in sleeping rooms is dangerous. There is a risk of fire. Please cook only in the kitchen.

    What happens if …?

    Questions & Answers

    Everything important about your work, safety, and protection in Germany. Do you have another question? Then send us a message or give us a call – we’ll be happy to help.

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