Caution Signs

Q: "What does a caution sign mean?"

"A caution sign indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. This definition comes from the ANSI Z535 standards, which OSHA recognizes for workplace safety sign design."

Q: "What color are OSHA caution signs?"

"Caution signs have a yellow background with a black panel and yellow lettering for the signal word, with black lettering used for the message. These color requirements are set by 29 CFR 1910.145 and ANSI Z535.1."

Q: "When should I use a caution sign instead of a warning sign?"

"Use a caution sign when the worst credible outcome of the hazard is minor or moderate injury. If the hazard could result in death or serious injury, use a warning sign. Matching the signal word to the severity of the hazard keeps your sign system credible and defensible."

ANSI Z535 and OSHA Compliant Signs for Everyday Workplace Hazards

Workplace Safety Signs

Caution Signs for Hazard Awareness, OSHA Compliance and Injury Prevention

Caution signs alert people to hazardous situations that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. They are the workhorse of workplace safety communication, covering the everyday hazards that lead to the most frequent incidents. Clarion Safety's caution signs use the latest ANSI Z535.2 sign formats and ISO-standardized symbols to meet OSHA requirements and communicate clearly to every person in your facility. Need a message you don't see in our catalog? Our custom sign services make it fast and easy to produce caution signs specific to your workplace, including translated and multi-lingual formats.

When to Use a Caution Sign in Your Workplace

OSHA's sign regulation, 29 CFR 1910.145, requires caution signs to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices.

Typical applications include:

Hot surfaces on machinery, piping and process equipment
Slippery floors, wet areas and uneven walking surfaces
Pinch points, low overhead areas and doorways
Reminders to follow safe work practices and wear required PPE

Caution signs use a safety yellow background with a black panel and lettering, the color combination specified by 29 CFR 1910.145 and ANSI Z535.1 for this level of hazard severity.

Caution vs. Warning vs. Danger Signs: Choosing the Right Signal Word

Signal word selection is a severity decision. Under the ANSI Z535 standards, CAUTION identifies hazards that could result in minor or moderate injury. When a hazard could result in death or serious injury, a warning sign is the correct choice, and when the hazard will result in death or serious injury if not avoided, a danger sign is required. Messages that are important but not related to personal injury belong on a notice sign. For a deeper look at how the standard defines each level, see our resource on best practice safety signs with ANSI Z535.2.

Not sure caution is the right severity level for your hazard? Clarion's standards experts can help you match the signal word to the risk. Contact our team for guidance on your sign choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caution Signs

What does a caution sign mean?

A caution sign indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. This definition comes from the ANSI Z535 standards, which OSHA recognizes for workplace safety sign design.

What color are OSHA caution signs?

Caution signs have a yellow background with a black panel and yellow lettering for the signal word, with black lettering used for the message. These color requirements are set by 29 CFR 1910.145 and ANSI Z535.1.

When should I use a caution sign instead of a warning sign?

Use a caution sign when the worst credible outcome of the hazard is minor or moderate injury. If the hazard could result in death or serious injury, use a warning sign. Matching the signal word to the severity of the hazard keeps your sign system credible and defensible.