25 Shocking Safety Posters That'll Make You Squirm And Laugh

Will Noble
By Will Noble Last edited 66 months ago
25 Shocking Safety Posters That'll Make You Squirm And Laugh

The world's a scary place. Certainly, if these posters from the British Safety Council are anything to go by. Founded in 1957 — and still based at the same Hammersmith address that appears at the foot of these vintage posters — the BSC's job has always been to warn UK citizens of the dangers that may lie around the corner.

1993
1992

This spread of posters from the 1970s-90s showcases some of the brash — occasionally egregious — campaigns launched by the BSC. Stark headlines and images of sliced-off digits were obviously popular for a while. Comedians have often been roped in, to put messages across too: Charlie Chaplin. Smith and Jones. Margaret Thatcher.

1985
1986
1985

The BSC's latest campaign is to get designers, students and workers to create innovative posters on the topic of wellbeing. Winning entries will receive cash prizes (up to £500) and be exhibited at the TUC's Congress House on 14 November 2018. Want to get involved? Check out the details here.

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1972

Last Updated 10 September 2018