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Occupational Health & Safety Policy Statement
Outdoor signs are an invaluable advertising instrument, but often, they suffer from bad design. Designers try to stuff too much content into these outdoor signs without considering target audiences or the amount of time a consumer has to read the sign when passing by. These flaws can be easily avoided by a business if they take the time to hire a company that understands the medium that they are working with. Vital Signs has been working with outdoor signs for many years and understands how to produce ones that will work. We’ve all seen horrible outdoor signs. Law firms often suffer from this. They are so focused on trying to stuff all of their names, pictures of their staff, the specific problems they can fix, and their company contact info that they flood their outdoor signs and they become a headache to try and read. If you are driving down the highway and only have two or three seconds to read a sign, you are not interested in reading a paragraph and nor should you have to. Properly designed outdoor signs will value simplicity. A simple graphic, a simple slogan or motto, all typed together into a very direct and targeted message. This is the key to producing effective outdoor signs. Why do you think McDonald’s outdoor signs are so successful? A huge and tasty looking burger and a simple slogan is all they use to sell their brand. Of course, they have name recognition, but they understand that simplicity is vital and so should you. Vital Signs is a sign company that provides signage solutions to businesses in Toronto, Concord,Brampton, and throughout the GTA. If you have any questions about or products or services, please feel free to contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may...
read moreOccupational Health & Safety Policy Statement
Neon signs often receive a negative reputation that results from a series of myths about this form of signage. Naturally, these myths about neon signs are incorrect and have no substance behind them. Vital Signs feel that it is important to dispel these improper myths that harm the reputation of neon signs, because we feel that this type of signage is a great way for a business to advertise and that they shouldn’t be scared to use it. The first myth about neon signs is that they consume a lot of energy. No they don’t. Before 1990, yes, but now they use less energy than a standard 75-watt bulb as a result of technological advancements in power transformers and the technology behind neon signs. The second common myth is that neon gas and argon gas are harmful and deadly to humans. Not true. They are both non-reactive inert gases. They have no harmful effects, and even if they did, the gas is sealed in tubes. The third myth is that neon signs wear down fast. This is not the case. A neon sign can last for 20,000 hours or more which is roughly 8-15 years, so long as the company that manufactures it for you take the time to design and build it properly. It can also be recharged and repaired. Many of these myths have occurred due to a lack of education about neon signs. Businesses should not be afraid to invest in this form of signage, they are a timeless classic, and they add a lot of character to any business. Vital Signs has been producing neon signs for a long time and we feel that more businesses should consider using them. We manufacture neon signs for businesses in Toronto, Mississauga, Southern Ontario, and all of the GTA. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us...
read moreOccupational Health and Safety Policy Statement
The overall goal of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) at Vital Signs is that injuries and occupational illnesses are preventable. We apply OH&S standards and directives, define organizational accountabilities, provide necessary resources and training, manage performance and minimize risk to employees, contractors, visitors and the community. RESPONSIBILITY: Vital Signs Management Actively manages OH&S Approves and ensures compliance with local policies, standards, rules and procedures Integrates OH&S functional plans into the Business Plan Vital Signs Workers Complies with OH&S programs Participates actively in OH&S initiatives Participates in investigation and root cause determination of OH&S incidents Develops and supports the implementation of local OH&S policies, standards, rules, procedures and programs POLICY Responsibility Everyone is responsible for his/her own health and safety. Managers have to provide the right management systems and are accountable for managing OH&S performance. OH&S Commitment and Performance Every employee and contractor is responsible for working safely, for knowing and following OH&S rules and procedures, and for being attentive to the health and safety of others. Nobody may undertake or allow any other person to undertake any unsafe act or work in an unsafe condition. Demonstrated OH&S commitment and performance are key criteria for good leadership at Vital Signs. Complying with OH&S Rules Complying with OH&S rules and directives is a condition of employment at Vital Signs. Injuries / incidents / unsafe acts All injuries, incidents and unsafe acts must be investigated. The root causes must be found and corrected. Safety Observations, Inspections and Audits All levels in the organization do Safety Observations. Specialists do periodic inspections and audits. Managers must ensure that all issues recorded or identified get corrected. Training Training is essential to have healthy and safe workplaces. All employees must know the general and their task-specific OH&S rules and procedures. They must recognize, report and correct all unsafe acts / conditions in their workplace. Contractors must be trained in the OH&S rules and procedures applicable to their job. They are required to always conform to those OH&S rules and procedures. This policy will be communicated and posted in the workplace. Ely Mansoor, President July 24, 2014...
read moreOutdoor Signs Help You Reach New Customers
Are you considering investing in a new set of outdoor signs for your business? You are making a great choice. Here at Vital Signs we create outdoor signs and we understand why they are one of the best ways to advertise your business. Not only do outdoor signs provide effective advertising, they also help you reach new customers that you wouldn’t normally have access to. Why are outdoor signs effective? Outdoor signs are generally placed near roads, near a competition’s business, or in other strategic locations. However, if you have a compelling outdoor sign, customers are more likely to discuss your ad with other people. Word of mouth is still a powerful tool for generating exposure that businesses would be foolish to forget. If one consumer posts a picture of your interesting outdoor signs onto Facebook, then, suddenly the target audience has unlimited potential. This is a huge win for your business and it all begins with outdoor signage. Another important thing to note is that all major highways are littered with outdoor signs. While driving, we often become bored and our attention will drift towards buildings, signs, and that annoying guy in front of us that keeps breaking for no reason. Regardless, outdoor signs are a great way to draw the attention of a consumer while they are forced into a situation of complete boredom. You can guarantee that they will look at your sign if it is the only interesting thing they are going to see for the next fifty kilometers. Vital Signs is here to help you find the perfect outdoor signs to represent your business. We offer our services to businesses throughout Toronto, Concord, Brampton, and the GTA. If you have any questions about what we can do for you, please feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about outdoor signs and their effectiveness....
read moreThe Evolution of the Signs
For as long as humans have needed to advertise products, signs have existed to aid them in their mission. Signs are an effective way to advertise an item to a potential market. However, like all forms of advertising, signs have evolved over time. Vital Signs is a full-stop sign company and we are ready to help you understand the ins and outs of the sign industry. Originally, signs started off very basic. Their designs revolved around two wooden posts and a board. An individual’s message would be painted on the sign and there wasn’t much more to it than that. Over time, advertising became more complex and individuals wanted to compete amongst each other in an effort to secure the sale. Impact of Competition on Signs Like any industry, competition fuels innovation. This concept holds true even in the sign industry. As businesses began to compete for sales, signs became more intricate and interactive. The goal of a business was to compel a consumer. This resulted in signage that featured vivid imagery, conceptual design, themes, and an overall emphasis on design. As we move into a more digital era, we have seen the rise of digital signs. The best way to imagine a digital sign is to think of Dundas Square or Times Square. What do you see? You see hundreds of LCD signs advertising various companies and their products and services. It is visual stimulation, but these types of signs are highly effective as they capture our attention and they can flash numerous messages at any given time. Vital Signs has been a major player in the signage industry for many years. We offer our services to clients located throughout Toronto, Markham, Newmarket, and the GTA. If you have any questions about our services, please feel free to contact us today....
read moreThe Ins and Outs of Sign Design
Every sign must pass through the sign design process on its way to becoming complete. Vital Signs has created a strict sign design process that allows for the creation of high quality and visually appealing signs. Step 1 of the Sign Design Process: The Consultation Before the creation of a sign, a consultation is necessary. This is an important step in the sign design process because it allows us to meet with you, discuss your needs, address them, and to charge full-steam into the project itself. Step 2 of the Sign Design Process: The Design Once we have agreed upon general design elements, our team will present you with concepts for your signage using the latest software. You will choose which one you like the best and we will move forward to the actual creation of your sign. Step 3 of the Sign Design Process: Creation Once all specifications are agreed upon, we will fabricate your sign. We create both wood and metal signs, on location. During this step we will design posts, the sign itself, graphics that need to be attached to the sign, any necessary adjustments, and more. Step 4 of the Sign Design Process: Fitting After the sign is created, it is time to install it in the location of your choice. If all of the necessary permits are obtained, we will install the sign at the location that you designate. The sign will be fitted properly and secured in place to ensure that it will stand the test of time. Vital Signs is a sign design company that has been providing signage solutions for businesses throughoutToronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and the GTA for many years. If you have any questions about our company, please feel free to contact us today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have....
read moreDon’t Forget about Neon Signs
Are you thinking about purchasing a new sign for your company? Why not try neon signs? Many people wrongly assume that they are outdated and tacky, but in reality, they are still a great way to showcase your business. Does your business operate at nighttime? If you answered yes, then neon signs may be the perfect sign for you. Neon signs are a great way to brighten up your storefront. Vital Signs has been working with neon signs for many years and we are experienced in this type of signage. We mentioned that neon signs are effective for businesses that operate during nighttime. When a customer is looking for a business at night, nine times out of ten, they will notice businesses that use neon signs. Common sense would dictate that a bright and flashy neon sign will draw in customers and ensure that your business is seen. Embrace neon signs, they are great. Many people assume that neon signs have to be basic, but this is not true. They can be designed however you like them, simple or complex. Do you want a basic open sign? How about a more complex sign that includes an image and your companies’ phone number? All of these designs can be accomplished through the use of neon. The potential is limitless and with the help of our dedicated team, we will help you realize your neon dreams. Vital Signs has been working with neon signs for many years. We are comfortable with the platform and we are ready to help you find that perfect neon sign for your business. Currently, we serve customers throughoutToronto, Mississauga, the GTA, most of Southern Ontario, and more. If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us. We’d be more than happy to...
read moreSigns in Toronto: Understanding the Bylaws
Toronto is notorious for one thing, its bylaws. Don’t let that scare you away from advertising with signs. The process isn’t that complicated and once you understand the basics, you won’t have to worry. In addition, here atVital Signs, we offer a service that will take care of the bylaw process for you. What does this mean? Zero headaches for you. The Bylaw Process for Signs When the sign bylaw was passed in April 2010, it also designated specific sign districts. These districts are: Residential Employment Industrial Office Residential Apartment Institutional Commercial Open Space Commercial Residential Utility Employment (Industrial) There are also special sign districts, they are: University Avenue Nathan Philips Square and City Hall Gardiner Gateway Dundas Square Downtown Yonge Street Chinatown So your probably wondering what you will need. When building and placing signs, in most cases, you must apply for both a sign permit and a building permit. Sign permits are issued under Chapter 694 of the Municipal Code. In all situations involving signs, unless specifically exempt, they are required for the erection of signs. Failure to secure this permit for your signs can result in hefty penalties. Building permits are also required for most signs. The general rule of thumb, when building signs, is that you will need both. The only time that you will need just the sign permit is if you placing the signs directly on a window or painting them onto a building. In these specific cases, you will only need a basic sign permit. Bylaws are troublesome, but they are necessary. Vital Signs is dedicated to making the bylaw process as simple as possible for our customers. If you need help understanding sign bylaws in Toronto, Markham,Newmarket, or throughout the GTA, we are here to help....
read moreOutdoor Signs are Surprisingly Effective
Signs are everywhere, but in many cases, outdoor signs are the most effective type of sign a company can invest in. In fact, outdoor signs attract around 50 percent of a start-ups new customers, in comparison to 33 percent from word of mouth, 9 percent from newspapers, and 6 percent from the yellow pages. Why miss the opportunity to tap into this proven form of advertisement? Interested in outdoor signs? Great, Vital Signs is ready to help you make it happen. Sales, sales, and sales. This is the effective motto for any business. Sales equal profit, and profit equals success. In most cases, the implementation of outdoor signs directly leads to increased sales for a business. Studies of the fast food industry have shown that adding one monument outdoor sign can account for a 9.3 percent increase in sales and a large pole sign can account for a 15.6 percent increase. What about for retail? Adding a larger storefront sign can account for a 7.7 percent increase in sales and two new directional signs 8.9 percent. Why miss out on this? Still not convinced about the usefulness of outdoor signs? Have you ever heard of Best Buy? You probably have. Well, studies have shown that 17 percent of their customers shop at their stores because of the giant yellow outdoor signs that they use. In addition, 85 percent of your customers live within 8 kilometers of your business. By using outdoor signs, you can attract them to do business with you. Another study revealed that 35 percent of customers admitted that they only heard about a business when they passed by their outdoor signs. We aren’t drilling home these statistics for no reason. Hours and hours of research have been conducted in an effort to gauge the effectiveness of outdoor signs, and every study has revealed one conclusion, it works. It’s time to join the party. Vital Signs is a one-stop signage company that will help you produce the perfect signs for your company. We serve customers throughout Toronto, Concord, Brampton, and the entire GTA. Contact us today....
read moreThe Importance of an Effective Store Sign: The Narrative
Today we are going to explore why a store sign may be the most important and cost effective method of advertising for your store and why you will want one. Vital Signs is a leading force in the creation of store signs and we are here to make the process easy for you. Customer Interactions with Your Store Sign A customer is wandering around in a local mall with no real goal for the day. They are willing to spend, but they have no specific products in mind. As they make their way through the mall, they notice two clothing stores. The first has a catchy store sign, it draws your attention, it entices you to enter the store, it has better overall branding, and their prices are higher than the second store. The second store has a boring sign, appears lifeless, and has the better prices. As a consumer, your first instinct, regardless of the prices, is to enter the store with the more appealing store sign. We are drawn towards catchy imagery, this is caused purely by human nature and the ability of a store sign to engage our senses. In this narrative, the first store has already won because they succeeded in attracting the customer into their store, through the use of a store sign which made their imaging appear superior. A well designed store sign is a vital tool for your business. It is the gatekeeper of your store. If you rely on a plain text sign, expect to see the results generated from a plain text sign. The science behind advertising is complicated, but any number of experts would tell you that your brand and imaging is greatly aided by a well-designed store sign, especially if you rely on front-line sales. Vital Signs is here to help you. We have been equipping businesses in Toronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and the GTA with signs for many years....
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