How to Tell When You Need to Replace Your Workplace Safety Signs

Workplace safety signs are a vital part of maintaining a safe environment for staff, visitors, and the general public. But even the best signage can degrade over time. Whether it's due to weather exposure, wear and tear, or regulatory changes, knowing when to update your safety signs is key to staying compliant and keeping your workplace safe.

Look out for fading, warping and cracking

Safety signs that are faded, cracked, peeling or warped can quickly lose their effectiveness. Exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes can take their toll on materials over time, especially in outdoor or high-traffic areas. A sign that’s difficult to read or worse, completely illegible, poses a real risk and could leave your business vulnerable to accidents or breaches in compliance.

We use 3mm rigid plastic as standard across our safety signage range. This sets us apart from many suppliers who use thinner or flimsier materials. Our signs are designed for durability and longevity, making them a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor use. Investing in high-quality materials from the start helps reduce the frequency of replacements and ensures your messages remain clear and visible when they’re needed most.

Schedule regular signage audits

It’s good practice to carry out regular audits of your safety signage. Depending on the nature of your workplace, this could be quarterly, biannually or annually. Walk the site and inspect each sign for wear, accuracy and visibility. Are signs where they should be? Are they easy to see from the right distance? Are any damaged, missing or out of date?

Keeping a record of where safety signs are located makes this process quicker and more reliable. A simple checklist of signage locations can help you spot missing signs at a glance and prioritise replacements. It also supports better compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly in larger or more complex environments such as factories, farms or public venues.

Check for outdated information or changes in legislation

Over time, regulations and best practice guidance can change. Safety symbols are occasionally updated, and new hazards may arise following a change in operations, layout, or equipment. It’s important to review your signage as part of your broader health and safety risk assessment to ensure all signs reflect current guidance.

If you need help with risk assessments, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers a free and useful risk assessment template and guide on their website. It’s a great place to start for small businesses or those reviewing procedures.

Recycling safety signs

Don’t forget - many safety signs made from rigid plastic/foam, aluminium or other metals, or corrugated plastics are recyclable. Check with your business waste providers if they provide recycling for your old signs to minimise what goes into landfill. 

Stay proactive, stay safe

Replacing safety signs might seem like a small task, but the impact on workplace safety and compliance can be significant. By choosing durable materials, scheduling regular audits, and keeping track of signage locations, you can ensure your safety signs continue to do their job; protecting people and meeting your legal obligations.

If you’re unsure about what you need or want to upgrade to longer-lasting signs, our team is always happy to help.