Forklifts are one of the biggest causes of serious injuries in Australian warehouses, factories and distribution centres. Most incidents involve a pedestrian and a moving forklift in the same space. Signs can't replace a proper traffic management plan, but they are the part of it that everyone sees every day: they tell people where to walk, where forklifts operate and what to wear.
This guide walks through the signs most sites use, zone by zone.
Start with a traffic management plan
Before ordering signs, map how forklifts, trucks and people move around your site. Safe Work Australia and state WHS regulators publish guidance on managing traffic at workplaces, and it usually comes down to three things: separate people from vehicles where you can, control the areas where they must mix, and make the rules clear. Signs do the last part. Your WHS adviser or regulator can help with the plan itself.
1. Site and building entries
- Forklifts operating signs at every door and gate into the work area, such as forklifts operating in this area, authorised personnel only.
- PPE signs showing what people must wear past that point, such as high visibility clothing must be worn or no entry without safety boots and hi-vis.
- Visitor signs that send visitors and drivers to reception or the site office first.
2. Forklift operating areas
- Forklift rules signs near charging stations and pre-start areas. Our forklift rules sign lists the basics.
- Speed limit signs inside the building and around the yard. 5 km/h or 10 km/h are common. See speed limit signs.
- "No pedestrians" signs where only forklifts should travel.
3. Shared zones and crossings
Where people and forklifts must share space, make it obvious.
- Shared zone signs such as watch out for forklifts, vehicles, trailers and pedestrians.
- Pedestrian crossing signs at marked crossings, paired with floor markings.
- "Look both ways" signs at doorways, end of racking and blind corners, such as pedestrians watch for vehicles entering from left and right.
Mark the points where forklifts cross walkways or roads with a Forklift crossing sign, and where trucks cross with Warning, trucks crossing.
4. Loading docks
- Reversing vehicle signs like loading dock: trucks reversing, keep clear or caution reversing vehicles.
- Hi-vis zone signs such as hi-vis must be worn beyond this point.
- Driver instruction signs telling truck drivers where to wait while being loaded.
5. Racking and storage
- Load limit signs on racking bays, showing the safe working load.
- "Do not climb racking" signs.
More forklift and warehouse signs
Forklift rules
Forklift licence required, authorised operators only ยท Forklift pre-start check must be completed ยท No passengers on forklift ยท Forklift speed limit 10 km/h ยท Forklifts give way to pedestrians
Exclusion and shared zones
Keep clear of operating forklifts, 3 metre exclusion zone ยท Pedestrians prohibited, forklift operating area ยท Forklift operating area, keep out ยท Shared zone, forklifts and pedestrians ยท Shared zone, loading dock ยท No forklifts beyond this point ยท No industrial vehicles allowed ยท Truck entry 5 km/h, watch for forklifts
Pallet racking
Pallet racking load sign with your load ratings ยท Do not overload ยท Report damage immediately ยท Do not alter without engineering approval ยท No climbing on pallet racks
Charging and parking
Forklift charging station ยท Forklift parking only ยท Delivery vehicles only, loading and unloading ยท Service vehicles only
Choosing size and material
Forklift drivers and pedestrians are often moving, sometimes 10 metres or more from a sign. Go bigger than you think: 450mm x 600mm or larger for entries and yards, 300mm x 450mm for internal walls and racking ends. Aluminium and ACP last best in busy warehouses, and reflective signs stand out in dim areas and at night.
Setting up a new warehouse? Our Warehouse & Forklift Safety Sign Pack bundles ten of the most-used signs at 15% less than buying them separately.
Also in our range: Loading Dock ยท Warning Loading or Unloading in Progress ยท Loading Zone 15 Minute Limit ยท No Entry Loading in Progress ยท Warehouse Authorised Personnel Only ยท Warehouse Induction Required Before Entry ยท Back to Work Mode Loading ยท Warning Watch Out Forklift Operating Area
Frequently asked questions
How many signs does a typical warehouse need?
Walk your traffic plan and add a sign wherever someone needs to make a decision: at every entry, crossing, blind corner and change of zone. Most sites need more than they expect.
Can I order custom forklift signs?
Yes. Our custom warning signs let you add your own wording, speed limits or zone names.
Is there a discount for larger sites?
Yes. Buy 25 or more of the same sign to save an extra 5%, 50+ to save 10%, or 150+ to save 15%, applied automatically at checkout. Shipping is free on orders over $500.
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Related guides
Related: Directional signs: entry, exit and deliveries
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