Are floor signs (that are adhered to the floor) required to warn employees of hazards ahead of them or to instruct employees in safety requirements?

OSHA does not specifically require signs, such as danger and caution signs, to be placed on the floor. However, a floor sign may meet the definition of sign found at 1910.145; therefore, floor signs, if used, may be regulated by 1910.145.

Section 1910.145 defines a sign as “a surface ... prepared for the warning of, or safety instructions of, industrial workers or members of the public who may be exposed to hazards. Excluded from this definition, however, are news releases, displays commonly known as safety posters, and bulletins used for employee education.”

OSHA has specific regulations that call for signs. Moreover, if an employer determines that the nature of the hazard is such that failure to designate the hazard may lead to an accidental injury, then a sign in accordance with 1910.145 or other effective means, like proper training, is required.

If a floor sign meets the OSHA requirements, and is effective in communicating the hazard in time for employees to avoid the hazard, then it appears that a floor sign may be used to meet the requirement.

However, floor signs may deteriorate or may become unreadable frequently because they are walked on. Therefore, where signs are required, floor signs may need to be inspected and replaced frequently.