Danger, warning, caution, notice: the header word at the top of a safety sign tells people how serious the hazard is before they read anything else. Using the right one matters, because if everything says "Danger", people stop paying attention. Here's how the common headers differ and when to use each.
The short answer
- Danger: the hazard is likely to cause death or serious injury. Use it sparingly, for things like high voltage, deep excavations and confined spaces.
- Warning: a hazard that could cause injury, but is less likely to be life-threatening. Think forklifts, hard hat areas and slippery surfaces.
- Caution: a lower-level reminder to take care, such as a wet floor, a low ceiling or a step.
- Notice: information or a rule, not a hazard. For example "All visitors must report to the site office".
Danger signs
In the Australian safety sign standard, AS 1319, danger signs show the word DANGER in white on a red oval inside a black rectangle. They're reserved for hazards that are likely to be life-threatening.
Examples: Danger, high voltage, Danger, deep excavation, keep out, Danger, hard hat area. Browse danger signs.
Warning signs
AS 1319 warning signs use a black symbol in a black-bordered yellow triangle, often with a "WARNING" header and text below. They flag hazards that aren't likely to be life-threatening but still need attention.
Examples: Warning, hard hat area, Warning, construction site, unauthorised entry prohibited. Browse warning signs.
Caution signs
"Caution" isn't a separate category in AS 1319, but it's widely used in Australia for everyday reminders, usually with a yellow header. It suits low-level hazards where a gentle prompt is enough.
Examples: Caution, wet floor, Mind your head, Caution, forklifts in use.
Notice signs
Notice signs give information, rules or instructions rather than warning about a hazard. Browse notice signs.
Which header should I choose?
- Start with your risk assessment. How bad could the outcome be, and how likely is it?
- If someone could be killed or seriously hurt, use Danger.
- If someone could be hurt, use Warning.
- If it's a reminder to take care, Caution is often enough.
- If it's a rule or information, use Notice.
When in doubt, ask your safety adviser. Your workplace's risk assessment, not the sign, decides what controls you need.
Write your own
Need specific wording? Choose the header and add your message: Danger (your text), Warning (your text), Caution (your text) or Notice (your text).
Related guides
- AS 1319 explained: colours, shapes and categories
- Workplace safety signs checklist
- Authorised personnel only and restricted area signs
Frequently asked questions
Is "Caution" the same as "Warning"?
Not quite. Warning is a defined hazard category in AS 1319. Caution is a common, softer header used for lower-level reminders.
Can I use symbols without words?
Many signs combine a symbol with words so the message is clear to everyone. See our AS 1319 guide for how symbols and words work together.
Will my signs arrive before Christmas?
Every sign is made to order. Order by Wednesday 16 December (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA) or Wednesday 9 December (WA, NT) for delivery before Christmas. Every sign is 30% off until 31 December.
Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.
