Understanding What Construction Safety Signs Mean

Times have changed and signage has become a little more sophisticated in order to protect both the health & safety of workers, as well as pedestrians and drivers (as well as their passengers). 

From a health & safety perspective, this increased attention in signs has been a good thing – with deaths resulting from construction and roadworks having drastically reduced since the 1980s. 

So roadworks sign measures over here have been a success – and this is thanks in no small part to more nuanced, detailed, and visible signs being in place to protect workers and the public. But it can be hard to keep up with these signs and what ones need to be put in place at certain roadwork and construction sites. 

So in order to help clear this up, it’s a good idea to think of these signs in categories. Using technologies like the Giken Silent Piler require safety signage for operation. However, also does scaffolding, as does demolition or using a mini crane. Because of this, you need the right signage. 

One such category of signs would be diversion. This relates to signs which are used to direct traffic in a certain direction, such as the distinct ‘Diversion’ sign with yellow background and black arrow. Then we have traffic signal signs such that inform drivers of traffic measures. One such example of this is the ‘When Red Light Shows Wait Here’ sign you can see here. 

Then there are signs relating to road closures and warning signs that serve to indicate hazards or changes in the road that drivers may not expect. The latter is where you’ll find the likes of the road work ahead sign. We then have construction signs relating to pedestrians to remind drivers where pedestrians will be located at a site, and vice versa.

Standard Versus Relaxation Roadworks Signage

Construction traffic signs play an important role in applying order to roads that are running whilst vital roadworks are being carried out. Not only do they help create a safe environment for workers, drivers, and their passengers, they also give vital information to any passers-by regarding the roadworks – such as the duration of the roadworks. Signage for roadworks can be split into a few categories – namely standard roadworks, relaxation schemes, and emergency traffic management measures. So what are the differences between the signage required for each category?

Standard refers to the minimum standard of signage expected of an operation. This minimum standard is covered in Chapter 8 of the ‘Traffic Signs Manual’ which is used by any construction safety consultant. The types of signs used in such operations are the likes of ‘Diversion’, ‘Diversion Ends’, ‘Road Closed Ahead’, and many other common roadworks sign plates. Relaxation, however, relates to short-term roadworks where there is a low traffic flow and good visibility. This means that fewer signs will be needed. However, if this type of roadwork scheme is in place during hours of darkness, or if conditions deteriorate at the site, then there must be additional traffic construction signs put in place.

Lastly, emergency traffic management is when works take place at very short notice. In this case, the standard of signage required will be lower. However, if the workers do not have quick access to the appropriate construction traffic control signs, this still does pose a health and safety risk for all.