Evaluating the behavioral effectiveness of a multi-modal voice warning sign in a cluttered environment

This research examined the effects of a multi-modal warning sign on compliance behavior. Participants followcd a sct of printed instructions to perform a chemistry task that involved measuring and mixing disguised (nonhazardous) chemicals. Whether participants wore protective equipment as directed by the warning was measured. The environment around the sign was either visually clullered or uncluttered. In some conditions, pictorials, a voice warning, and/or a nashing strobe light werc added. The results showed that compliance was significantly greater when the warning was presented in an unclullered environment compared to a cluttered environment. The results also showed that the presence of a voice warning produccd a strong and reliable increase in compliance compared to conditions without a voicc warning. No statistically reliable efTecL~ of' pictorials or strobe were found though the results did show a trend of greater compliance when they wcre present. In addition, compliance was positively related to memory of the warning, perception of hazard, and reported carefulness. Thc results call attention to the importance of the context in which a warning is placed, and lhe potential bencfits or voice warnings.