No matter how safe it may seem, every workplace has potential dangers. That's why it's imperative for employers to take the necessary precautions to protect their employees by creating and following a safety plan. One of the most important parts of any job site safety plan is ensuring the proper warning signs are in place to keep everyone aware of the potential risks.

What are the OSHA requirements for construction signs?

OSHA requires signs posted in various locations:

• Entrances to the job site
• Locations where there is a potential hazard
• Where there is construction activity
• Heavy equipment or machinery in use
• Where there is a potential for falling objects
• Where there is a potential for electrical hazards
• Locations where there is a potential for chemical hazards
• Locations where there is a potential for fire hazards
• Near confined space hazards

What does each type of construction site sign communicate?

• The danger sign indicates a hazardous situation that could result in death or serious injury if not avoided.
• The warning sign indicates a potential hazard that could result in property damage if not avoided.
• The caution sign is used to indicate a potential hazard resulting in minor or moderate injury.
• The informational sign is used to provide specifics about the job site, construction activity, or safety procedures.

Some common dangers, hazards, and warning signs used on construction sites include:

• Danger
• Do Not Enter
• Hazard
• Hard Hat Area
• Warning
• Blind Spot

Danger signs should be used sparingly to indicate the most serious potential hazards. If a danger sign is used, it should be accompanied by specific instructions on what to do to avoid the risk.

Are you able to customize job site and construction site signs?

While there are specific OSHA requirements for phrasing, color, and text, the overall sign design is customizable.

For example, a danger sign needs to have the word "Danger" in red with a black background. The text needs to be white. However, the sign designer can add additional logos and images to the bottom of the sign to create a custom look.

Most job and construction sites will require some custom signs. The specific hazards present on the site, as well as the layout of the site, will dictate what kind of custom signs are needed.

Some common ways job site signs are customized include:

• Adding a company logo or name to an existing sign
• Creating a sign with specific text or instructions
• Adding a graphic to an existing sign
• Creating a completely custom sign including color, size, and message

Our team of experts at FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento / Natomas Airport have the experience and expertise to design, create, and install any custom sign products, including any danger, hazard, and safety signs you need for your job or construction site. We will work with you to determine what types of signs you need and create a solution that meets your needs and budget.