A Simple Shield for Everyday Workplaces

For keeping people safe in a busy site, warehouse, or office, safety signage just “does its job.” But the best signs go beyond looking official; they quietly protect lives, guide actions, and help people make the right choices in a split second. Thanks to standards like AS 1319‑1994, colour, shape, and symbols are standardised so messages read clearly, no matter who’s seeing them.

Know Your Signs: Speak the Visual Language

Australia uses a simple visual language of safety:

• Mandatory (blue circles): "Must do" actions, like wearing a PPE kit, makes safe behaviours obvious.
• Prohibition (red circles with slash): Explicitly tells you what not to do. Though basic, they are vital.
• Warning (yellow triangles): Alerts you to general hazards, like slippery floors or moving machinery.

Emergency/Fire (green or red backgrounds): Guides you to first aid, exits, or firefighting gear when time is critical.

A clear, consistent safety sign uses the right colour, symbol, text size, and placement to save precious time and reduce risk.

It’s All About Placement and Maintenance

Even the best-designed sign is useless if it’s invisible or unreadable. The signs should be placed at eye level, in clear sight, and against contrasting backgrounds. The symbols should be sized for easy reading, about 15 mm per metre of viewing distance, and text should follow suit. They also must be kept clean and replaced when faded or damaged.

Regular audits help ensure signs remain visible, accurate, and still do their job.