Construction Site Safety Signs: What You Must Display

Construction sites are high-risk environments where clear, compliant signage is essential. From PPE reminders to restricted access warnings, safety signs protect lives and help businesses meet their legal obligations.

In this post, we explain which construction site signs are legally required under UK law in 2025, where to place them, and how to ensure your site signage complies with HSE guidance and BS EN ISO 7010 standards.

Why Site Safety Signs Are a Legal Requirement

According to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, construction employers must display safety signage wherever a significant risk cannot be avoided by other means. This includes:

• Hazard warnings (e.g. “Danger: Deep Excavation”)
• Mandatory instructions (e.g. “Hard Hats Must Be Worn”)
• Prohibited actions (e.g. “No Unauthorised Access”)
• Safe condition signage (e.g. “First Aid” or “Assembly Point”)

Failure to display appropriate signs can lead to enforcement action, fines, and serious incidents.

Essential Signs for Every Construction Site

🚧 Site Safety Boards

Display all key safety messages at your site entrance. Site boards typically include multiple symbols covering PPE, hazards, access, and emergency info.
Browse Construction Safety Boards »

🦺 PPE Mandatory Signs

Clearly state PPE requirements such as hard hats, high-vis clothing, safety boots, and gloves. These are often legally required at the point of entry.

⚠️ Hazard Signs

Warn of site-specific dangers like falling objects, deep excavations, flammable substances, or heavy machinery.

🚫 No Access / Authorised Personnel Only

Used to restrict entry to dangerous or private areas on-site. Helps enforce security and protect visitors or subcontractors unfamiliar with the hazards.

🧯 Fire Exit & First Aid Signs

Emergency routes, first aid points, and assembly points must all be clearly signposted to ensure a safe response during an incident.

Where to Place Construction Signs

• Site entrances and fencing
• Access gates to restricted areas
• Near specific hazards (e.g. scaffolding or excavations)
• Inside welfare facilities or site offices
• Next to fire safety and first aid equipment

Are Your Signs Compliant?

Check that your signs:

• ✅ Use ISO 7010 pictograms
• ✅ Are made from weather-resistant materials
• ✅ Are legible from a safe distance
• ✅ Are securely fixed and free from obstructions

Why Buy from The Safety Sheep Store?

Our construction signage is:

• ✅ Made in Britain
• ✅ HSE and ISO 7010 compliant
• ✅ Available with up to 35% trade discoun