Safety Signs on Farms

Health & Safety Advisor Jess Phillips explains why signs are essential for keeping people safe on farm, how to use them effectively and the legal requirements you must meet.

Why signs matters

Farm safety signs are more than just decoration; they save lives. Signs raise awareness of risks, direct safe behaviour and ensure you’re complying with the law. When clear and visible, they can highlight potential hazards and reduce accidents on farm for both the farm team and any visitors.

Types of safety signs

Whether you’re an experienced farmer, a farm worker or a member of the public visiting or passing a farm, it’s important to understand the different types of safety signs.

Cautionary signs

Yellow background with black symbols/text.
Warn of hazards such as moving vehicles, the presence of bulls or livestock.
Eye-catching and designed to alert those unfamiliar with the environment, as well as act as a constant reminder for those who are.

Regulatory signs

White background with black symbols inside a red circle.
Provide instructions or prohibitions such as ‘No unauthorised entry’, ‘No smoking’ or indicate a speed limit.
Essential for setting clear boundaries and rules.

Safety signs

Green background with white symbols/text.
Point towards emergency equipment and safe areas: first aid kits, fire assembly points, etc.
Use universal symbols so everyone understands them.

Doing the right thing

Using standardised signs with universal colours, shapes and symbols is the best way to ensure everyone understands their meaning, cutting across language barriers and reading abilities. But even the best signs are only any good when they can be seen.

To comply with your legal duty to employees and visitors:

Position signs where they are highly visible.
Regularly check the condition and make sure they are not faded, cracked or missing.
Replace immediately if damaged.

Helping you make your farm safer

Our specialist in-house Farm Health and Safety Advisors provide tailored, practical support on an on-going basis that helps you put a health and safety system in place and meet legal requirements. This safeguards you, your family, employees and your business, allowing you to rest assured your farm is as safe as it can be.

To find out more about our Farm Health & Safety Service, click here or speak to your local Field Advisor.