5 Must-Know Construction Safety Signs

For anyone working on or around construction sites, it is vital to know, at a glance, the different types of safety signage. Health and Safety signs use colour coding systems, shapes, symbols and other design features, to display messages as clearly as possible to safeguard workers and visitors on site.

Not only is it common sense and good practice to use safety signage, but often it is a legal requirement to ensure working environments are permissible under Health & Safety at work act 1974.

So in order to Make Safety Visible we have put together the five most common construction health & safety signs here.

What are the five most common construction safety signs?

1. Caution Signs: These signs are typically yellow with black lettering and are used to warn workers of potential hazards or dangerous situations. They often feature symbols like a falling object or a slippery surface.

2. Prohibition Signs: These signs are circular with a red border and a red diagonal line across a black symbol. They indicate actions or behaviours that are not allowed on the construction site, such as no smoking or no entry.

3. Mandatory Signs: These signs are blue with white symbols or lettering and indicate actions that are required to maintain safety on the site. They may include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or using a specific safety device.

4. Emergency Signs: These signs are green with white lettering or symbols and provide information about emergency procedures or the location of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers or first aid kits.

5. Fire Safety Signs: These signs are red with white symbols or lettering and provide information about the location of fire alarms, fire exits, or firefighting equipment. They are crucial for ensuring quick and safe evacuation in case of a fire.

Why is it important to know these signs?

Understanding and recognising these common construction safety signs is essential for maintaining a safe work environment on a construction site. By familiarising yourself with these signs, you can help prevent accidents, injuries, and even save lives. Remember, safety should always be the top priority on any construction project, and safety signage helps you achieve that.