Are Your Safety Signs Up to Date and Compliant?
Understanding UK regulations and best practices for workplace signage
Safety signs are everywhere - on construction sites, in factories, offices, and even in schools and hospitals. They serve as constant visual reminders of hazards, controls, and emergency actions. But here’s the question: when was the last time you checked your workplace safety signage for compliance?
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), require employers to use safety signs whenever other measures - such as engineering controls or safe systems of work - cannot fully eliminate significant risks.
Why Safety Signs Matter
Safety signs are not just a legal requirement; they play a vital role in preventing accidents by:
- Alerting workers and visitors to specific hazards
- Indicating mandatory precautions (e.g., PPE requirements)
- Directing people to safety equipment or emergency exits
- Communicating prohibitions, such as “No smoking” or “No entry”
When used correctly, signage supports other control measures and reinforces your overall safety culture.
Types of Safety Signs You Must Know
Under the Regulations, four main categories of signs are required:
- Prohibition signs - e.g., No unauthorised access (Red circle with a diagonal line)
- Mandatory signs - e.g., Eye protection must be worn (Blue circle)
- Warning signs - e.g., Danger: High Voltage (Yellow triangle)
- Emergency signs - e.g., Fire exit or First aid (Green rectangle or square)
What the Law Says
According to HSE guidance:
- Safety signs must be clear, legible, and durable
- They must follow standardised symbols and colours
- They should be used only where necessary, and not as a substitute for other essential safety measures
The Regulations aim to harmonise safety signage across the UK and EU, ensuring consistency and reducing confusion.
When Did You Last Check Your Signs?
Many businesses overlook their signage during routine audits - yet faded, damaged, or missing signs can lead to accidents, enforcement action, and liability in the event of an incident.
Checklist for Employers:
- ✔ Are all hazards covered with clear signage?
- ✔ Are signs visible, legible, and correctly positioned?
- ✔ Have any workplace changes created new risks requiring new signage?
Unsure if Your Safety Signs Meet Legal Requirements?
Compass HSC can carry out a full workplace compliance audit, including signage checks, and help you stay on the right side of the law.
Book a Compliance Audit TodayAbout Brian Lambert
Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS), the founder of Compass Health & Safety Consultancy (HSC), is a Chartered Member of IOSH and an accomplished IMaPS professional. With decades of industry experience, Brian is dedicated to guiding businesses of all sizes through the complexities of health and safety management.
His approach is built on integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to raising the standard in health and safety. As a trusted advisor, Brian’s insights help organisations enhance compliance, reduce risk, and boost operational efficiency.