What Warehouse Signs You Really Need for Your Warehouse (And Why Not Having Them Could Cost You)

By Jeff Hillen, CEO of Warehouse Buyers Club

Welcome to the world of warehouse operations—where everyone knows that safety isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a lifestyle. But let’s be honest: when you think of a warehouse, the first thing that probably comes to mind isn’t safety signs. I mean, who wants to talk about a “Caution: Wet Floor” sign when you can be discussing how fast your new forklift can turn a corner?

But guess what? Those signs are a big deal. Like, a really big deal. So let’s take a dive into the kinds of signs you need in your warehouse and—more importantly—why not having them can  break the law and put employees at risk.

1. Warning & Caution Signs (OSHA Compliant, Please!)

Why You Need Them: OSHA standards are there to keep your employees safe. Having clear warning signs that point out potential hazards, whether it’s slippery floors, hazardous materials, or heavy equipment zones, is not just a good idea—it’s the law. You can’t just hope that your employees will avoid danger. Help them out with visual cues to guide their safety practices.

The Benefit: Reduced accidents = lower workers' compensation claims = happier employees. Plus, you’re legally covered.

The Pitfall of Not Having Them: If you don’t have proper warning signs and something goes wrong, you could be hit with hefty fines. Worse yet, your employee could get injured, and that’s a real tragedy, both personally and financially.

2. Traffic Flow and Directional Signs

Why You Need Them: Ever seen a forklift doing its best impression of a bumper car? No? Well, that’s probably because you have clear directional signs showing where your equipment can and can’t go. These signs help maintain order and safety, ensuring that foot traffic and machinery don’t collide. No one wants to dodge a forklift or take a detour around a pallet stack.

The Benefit: Smooth traffic flow equals fewer accidents. It's like the ballet of warehouse operations—just with more steel-toed boots and fewer pirouettes.

The Pitfall of Not Having Them: Without signs, chaos reigns. Employees will be walking around trying to figure out which direction to go, and forklifts will play dodgeball with people instead of pallets. The result? A bump in injury claims and a serious decrease in productivity.

3. Exit and Emergency Evacuation Signs

Why You Need Them: Emergencies happen. Whether it’s a fire, or a power outage, your employees need to know the quickest and safest exit routes. Without clear exit signs, you could be creating confusion when every second counts.

The Benefit: Fast, organized evacuations save lives. Everyone knows where to go, and there’s no panic. You don’t want your staff running around like it’s a game of "Where’s Waldo?"

The Pitfall of Not Having Them: In an emergency, the last thing you need is a bunch of confused people bumping into walls because they didn’t know where the exits were. Time is critical in emergencies, and lack of signage could lead to delays—or worse, accidents.

4. First Aid and Fire Safety Signs

Why You Need Them: Accidents happen. It’s inevitable. That’s why you need to let everyone know exactly where the first aid kits and fire extinguishers are located. These life-saving tools should be easy to access and easy to spot.

The Benefit: You’re prepared for the unexpected. When someone gets a paper cut, you’ve got the bandages. When someone drops a hot piece of equipment, you’ve got the fire extinguisher. Having the signs means fewer delays in addressing those little (or big) mishaps.

The Pitfall of Not Having Them: Imagine the panic when someone’s injured and no one knows where to find the first aid kit. It’s not just inefficient; it’s dangerous. Make sure your team doesn’t waste time looking for what they need. It could make the difference between a minor injury and something more serious.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirement Signs

Why You Need Them: PPE is not optional. It’s mandatory. Whether it’s hard hats, gloves, goggles, or steel-toed boots, your warehouse needs clear signage showing what equipment is required in specific areas. Without these reminders, workers can forget or underestimate the importance of safety gear.

The Benefit: Encouraging PPE usage helps prevent injuries and reduces downtime. Plus, it shows your workers that you care about their safety.

The Pitfall of Not Having Them: If your employees aren’t reminded to wear the proper PPE, the risk of injury skyrockets. And guess what? If someone does get hurt and they weren’t wearing the right gear, you could be facing an even bigger fine than you think.

6. Hazardous Material Signs

Why You Need Them: If your warehouse deals with chemicals, solvents, or any hazardous materials, you need a sign. These signs will help ensure that the right precautions are taken to avoid exposure or accidents. You don’t want people grabbing the wrong chemicals or working in an area they don’t fully understand.

The Benefit: It keeps your employees safe and your operations compliant. Plus, it’s a whole lot easier to keep track of hazardous materials when everyone knows the rules and hazards up front.

The Pitfall of Not Having Them: Mishandling hazardous materials can lead to health risks, contamination, or even fires. That’s not something anyone wants to deal with—and it's expensive, too.

A Few Final Thoughts on Why Spending Money on Signs is Worth Every Penny

Now, I get it. Buying a bunch of signs might seem like a pretty big investment at first. But think of it this way: what’s the cost of a workplace injury? What’s the price of a lawsuit because someone wasn’t aware of a safety risk? How much does it cost to clean up a hazardous spill that could have been avoided? In comparison, the cost of a few strategically placed signs is pretty small.

Spending money on safety signage is cheap insurance for the safety of your team and the long-term health of your warehouse. Not to mention, you avoid the potential fallout of accidents that could affect your business’s reputation and bottom line.

Wrapping It Up

Warehouse signs might not be the most glamorous part of running a warehouse. They won’t make you any more money directly, and they won’t impress anyone at the next industry conference. But let’s face it, you’d rather not be dealing with the chaos of unmarked hazards or the risk of fines from OSHA. Your workers are your most valuable asset, and keeping them safe is just good business.

So, take a moment and give your warehouse a once-over. If you don’t have all the essential signs in place, it’s time to invest in some. Because when it comes to warehouse safety, there’s no such thing as too many signs.