Soviet Industrial Safety Poster – “Be Careful” Giraffe Crane Design (1985)

This is an original Soviet workplace safety poster from 1985, published by Energoatomizdat in Moscow. The unusual design features a stylized giraffe-crane hybrid standing beside a chart of safe clearance distances for electrical lines, combining technical instruction with surreal visual imagery. The large Russian headline translates to “Be Careful,” and the chart lists the minimum allowable distances for work near high-voltage power lines ranging from 110 to 750 kV.

The poster measures approximately 22.5 by 17 inches. It was printed in 1985 under the direction of B. P. Smotrova, with editorial oversight by L. A. Molodtsova. The piece has visible wear, edge creases, and pinholes, but the bold graphics remain clear and striking.

This poster is a rare example of late Soviet occupational safety art that combines practical instruction with playful and almost absurdist design. It would make a standout addition to collections of Soviet posters, industrial history, or Cold War visual culture.