Workplace Safety Signs, Symbols and Their Meanings

Date Posted:24 July 2025

Discover what each type of safety signage used in workplaces really means and where they are typically positioned.

Why Safety Signage Is Essential in Australian Workplaces

Safety signage is more than just a legal requirement, it’s a critical part of your safety management system. Under Safe Work Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, employers are obligated to provide visual warnings and instructions that match the risks present in the environment.

Clear signage helps prevent injury, control hazards, and support swift emergency responses. It plays a vital role in guiding behaviour, especially in high-risk or high-traffic areas such as warehouses, construction zones, factories, and logistics depots.

Whether you're communicating a simple instruction or highlighting a life-threatening danger, workplace safety signage and information signs ensure both workers and visitors can quickly understand the expectations and risks of each area, promoting a culture of compliance and care.

Main Categories of Workplace Safety Signage

Australia's workplace signage standards are governed by AS 1319:1994, which outlines specific categories of safety signs. Here's a breakdown of the main types you’ll find across Australian worksites, with guidance on how and where to use them.

1. Mandatory Signs

Mandatory signs are blue and white, indicating actions that must be taken. Examples include “Hearing protection must be worn” or “Safety harness required”.

These signs are common in:

Construction zones
Chemical storage areas
Manufacturing plants
Welding bays or PPE-required areas

They help enforce safe behaviour and are vital in ensuring compliance with PPE protocols and safe operating procedures. Ignoring mandatory signage can result in legal penalties and increase the risk of preventable injuries.

Examples of 'Mandatory' Signage We Supply

2. Prohibition Signs

These signs feature a red circle with a diagonal slash, indicating that something is not allowed, such as “No smoking”, “Do not enter”, or “No mobile phones”.
You’ll find these:

Around hazardous materials
In plant rooms and electrical cabinets
At the entrances of restricted or high-security zones

They help control behaviour and access, protecting both staff and sensitive equipment. Prohibition signage also plays an important role in ensuring that emergency procedures aren't compromised by careless actions.

Examples of 'Prohibition' Signage We Supply

3. Warning Signs

Warning signs are easily recognisable by their yellow background with black text and symbols. They signal potential hazards that could cause injury if not observed, like “Forklifts operating” or “Slippery surface”.

Key placement areas include:

Warehouse aisles
Loading docks
Shared zones between pedestrians and machinery
Areas prone to spills or debris

Warning signs are vital for alerting workers to general hazards that may not be immediately visible. They create situational awareness and reduce the chance of accidental injury.

Examples of 'Warning' Signage We Supply

4. Emergency Information Signs

Emergency signs are green with white text or symbols and are used to highlight locations of emergency equipment or exits. Common examples include “First Aid Kit”, “Emergency Exit”, or “Assembly Point”.

These signs must be visible:

Near first aid stations and defibrillators
At all exit points
In fire safety equipment zones
Throughout high-occupancy facilities

They support emergency planning and assist first responders in quickly finding the resources they need. Emergency signage is a mandatory component of evacuation plans and WHS audits.

Examples of 'Emergency Information' Signage We Supply

5. Danger Signs

Danger signs combine red, black, and white and are used to indicate life-threatening hazards that could cause death or serious injury. Examples include “High voltage”, “Confined space”, and “Explosive gas”.

These signs are typically placed in:

Electrical control rooms
Confined space entry points
High-voltage switchboards
Areas with hazardous gases or pressure systems

Using danger signs appropriately is crucial in environments where even minor mistakes could lead to serious consequences. They carry a stronger legal and psychological impact than warning signs and must not be misused.

Examples of 'Danger' Signage We Supply

Safety Sign (NO ADMITTANCE TO WORKSHOP)

6. Directional or Wayfinding Signs

These include arrows, instructions, or symbols that help guide traffic safely around the site. They might say “Delivery Entrance”, “Visitor Parking”, or “Staff Only”.

Important locations include:

Carparks and driveways
Multi-building facilities
Emergency assembly areas
Complex warehouse layouts

Directional signs reduce confusion, enhance emergency egress, and contribute to efficient site navigation for staff, visitors, and contractors alike.

Examples of 'Directional or Wayfinding' Signage We Supply

Footprint Floor Marking Stickers

Choosing the Right Sign for the Right Zone

Selecting the correct sign involves more than just choosing a message. To remain WHS compliant, signage must match the level of risk, comply with AS 1319:1994, and suit the environmental conditions.

For example:

Indoor signs may be printed on corflute or PVC
Outdoor signs often require aluminium with UV protection or self-adhesive backing for rough surfaces

At Verdex, we supply a wide range of workplace signage options, including aluminium, corflute, polypropylene, and adhesive signs, tailored for durability, clarity, and compliance.

How Often Should Workplace Signs Be Checked or Replaced?

Safety signs are only effective if they are visible and legible. We recommend conducting signage audits every 6 to 12 months, especially in high-wear or high-risk zones.

You should replace any signs that are:

Faded from UV exposure
Damaged from impacts or weather
No longer relevant due to process or layout changes

Unclear or missing signage can lead to serious WHS breaches and increased risk of injury. Regular reviews ensure your safety communication remains up to standard and reflects current workplace operations.

Need Compliant Safety Signage? Contact Verdex

At Verdex, we supply high-quality, compliant safety signage tailored for Australian workplaces. Whether you operate a warehouse, factory, office, or multi-site facility, we’ve got the signage solutions to keep your team safe and your site WHS-compliant.

We also equip businesses with quality workplace safety equipment and supplies such as:

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your signage needs. Feel free to contact us by emailing us at sales@verdex.com.au, calling our toll-free number 1800 750 500 or filling out our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal requirements for safety signage in Australia?

Under WHS laws and AS 1319:1994, employers must provide appropriate signage that clearly communicates risks, actions, and emergency procedures. These signs must be positioned where they're needed most and be well maintained.

Do I need different signs for indoor and outdoor use?

Yes. Outdoor signs must be weather-resistant and UV-stable, while indoor signs can be printed on lighter materials like corflute or polypropylene. Material selection ensures longevity and clarity in the intended environment.

How many signs does a warehouse typically need?

This depends on warehouse size and risk profile. Common placements include entry/exit points, forklift zones, pedestrian walkways, emergency exits, PPE areas, and hazard zones. A safety audit can determine your exact needs.

What’s the difference between a warning sign and a danger sign?

A warning sign alerts you to a potential hazard (e.g., “Watch for forklifts”). A danger sign indicates a severe hazard that could cause serious injury or death (e.g., “High Voltage”). Danger signs carry a stronger legal implication.

Workplace Safety Signs, Symbols and Their Meanings

Why Safety Signage Is Essential in Australian Workplaces