Enhancing Color-Coded Zoning for Colorblind Employees in Food Processing
Food production facilities that use color coding to establish zones of control should ensure that visually impaired employees, including those with colorblindness, are not overlooked.
Color-coded zones are essential for designating areas where allergens are handled to prevent cross-contact incidents, separating raw ingredients from finished products to avoid cross-contamination, and even distinguishing between different work shifts. Color coding is widely understood and serves as a universal communication tool that transcends literacy and language barriers.
However, for 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women, some colors may be difficult or impossible to differentiate. Colorblindness varies in severity, but the most common type is partial color deficiency, where individuals struggle to distinguish specific colors. The two most prevalent forms—deuteranopia (reduced sensitivity to green light) and protanopia (reduced sensitivity to red light)—both impact red/green differentiation.
This does not mean color coding is ineffective for colorblind employees, but it does require careful selection of colors to avoid the most commonly confused pairings.
Tips for a colorblind-friendly workplace
There are several strategies to ensure that color-coded zoning is effective for all employees, including those with color vision deficiencies. While these solutions may not work universally for every individual, involving team members with colorblindness in the decision-making process will help identify the best approach.
1. Avoid commonly confused color pairings
Certain color combinations are more easily mistaken than others. In general, pairing warm and cool colors provides better contrast than using two cool tones together. The most frequently confused color pairings include:
- Red/green (the most common issue)
- Blue/purple
- Green/blue
- Blue/gray
- Green/gray
- Green/black
To enhance visibility, consider using combinations that are easier to differentiate, such as blue and red; yellow and purple; or orange and reddish purple. The chart below, based on research from Martin Krzywinski Science Art, provides a seven-color palette that is distinguishable for individuals with protanopia and deuteranopia.
2. Utilize contrasting shades
Even colors that are typically confused can be made distinguishable by using dramatically different shades. For example, a neon green and a deep red are much easier to tell apart than similar muted shades of each color. Similarly, a pastel blue and a royal purple will have enough contrast to be distinguishable.
To test color differentiation, take a photo of your tool color options with a smartphone and apply a black-and-white filter. If the shades still appear distinct in grayscale, they will likely be distinguishable for employees with colorblindness. This method works best with physical samples, but you can also use images from a tool supplier’s website.
3. Implement tool stations
Tool stations help employees quickly locate the correct tools for specific tasks. For example, if blue tools are designated for handling food containing wheat, a dedicated shadow board can ensure they are stored separately. This system allows colorblind employees to confidently select the correct tools, as long as stations are regularly checked for proper usage.
4. Use black for floors and drains
Black and white provide the highest contrast, making black the ideal choice for high-risk cleaning like drains and floors. Drains can be vectors of contamination, which means the tools used on them must be kept separate from food-contact tools. Black is an easy choice for clear separation.
If a tool will be exposed to harsh chemicals or used on non-food-contact surfaces such as floors, selecting a clearly designated color helps ensure proper use.
Conclusion
Color-coding is a valuable tool in food processing environments, improving food safety by helping to prevent cross-contact, cross-contamination, and direct contamination—all of which help reduce the risk of foodborne illness and potential outbreaks. By implementing safeguards such as tool stations and thoughtful color selection, facilities can ensure that color-coded zoning is effective for all employees, including those with colorblindness.
To learn more about how color coding can enhance food safety and determine the best approach for your facility, read more here.
