Written By: Mikey Callaghan | Published: 10th August 2025
Warehouse and facility operators are well aware of the everyday hazards that employees face around the workplace. However, ensuring every member of staff remains aware of these dangers can be more challenging. As employers are responsible for the health and safety of their staff, management must make sure they have appropriate signage around their facility/warehouse to promote this safety and reduce the risks of hazards for all members of staff.
There are five key risks that individuals may face when working in warehouses:
- Trips and falling hazards
- Forklift Accidents
- Falling Objects
- Fire Hazards
- Mistreatment of chemical hazards
Here at GTSE we have introduced a new range of Facilities, Warehouse & Industrial Signage to help support all facility owners across the UK counteract these hazards.
Is there a recognised standard for signage around the warehouse?
In 1996 a legislation was introduced to the UK that set minimum requirements for all warehouse operators to ensure they have the appropriate signage to manage health and safety risks (1996 Health & Safety Regulations - Safety Signs and Signals) - this was a pivotal change for the employees’ working rights. The legislation created a switch in responsibility, so the employers became responsible for ensuring the correct safety measures are in place.
Let’s look at some of the key aspects of this legislation:
Introduction of Risk Assessments: It is now compulsory for employers to conduct risk assessments, so all the health and safety hazards have been identified.
Appropriate Health & Safety Signage: For any health & safety hazards that have been identified, appropriate regulations have been put in place to mitigate these hazards. Warehouse & Facility signs are the most effective solution for these hazards, as they are low maintenance and highly visible.
Staff Training: It becomes the employer’s responsibility to produce adequate training on these safety signs and ensuring that multi-language signage is provided for employees who don’t speak English.
Warehouses that have fully complied with the 1996 Health & Safety Regulations have all reported significant improvements in their accident prevention efforts, and further a measurable reduction in injuries and safety breaches.
What are the implications for employers that do not comply with 1996 Health & Safety Regulation?
Social Implications:
If employers fail to comply with this regulation there are several implications, they could face which can be detrimental to their business. Most importantly, the greatest danger is the heightened risk of accidents, which can lead to serious injuries or, in the worst case, be fatal.
Not only is this neglecting the workers’ rights and safety, but it can also have an extremely damaging impact on any business’ reputation. Once a business is publicly associated with unsafe working conditions, rebuilding trust can be a long and sometimes impossible task. Companies will struggle to attract both clients and employees which are 2 vital aspects to keeping businesses afloat.
Financial Implications:
After recognising the implications on a social level, it is also important to recognise that failing to comply with the regulations is noted as a criminal offence. This can cause huge secondary financial consequences such fines, lawsuits, and compensation claims.
The Health & Safety Executives have the authority where they can impose fines of up to £20,000 pounds to businesses. Additionally, they can implement prohibition notices where warehouses are forced to stop work until health and safety regulations are met, tarnishing their ability to execute any further business.
Alongside these financial risks, one of the most damaging outcomes is employee’s compensation claims, which can develop up to heavy business costs. These can include:
Personal Injury Claims: Employees can seek compensation for personal injuries and wage loss due to their time spent out of work.
Long-Term Care: Severe injuries may require long-term care and rehabilitation, which can come under the care costs.
Future Effect on Insurance: Once businesses take a claim out of their insurance, it will have a significant impact on their insurance costs in the future.
How can GTSE help you prevent hazards in your warehouse?
GTSE have recently uploaded a 6,000+ product range with high impact warehouse health and safety signs onto our website - designed to meet and exceed the 1996 Health & Safety Regulations - Safety Signs and Signals. As one of the UK’s most trusted consumer supplier, you can guarantee fast delivery and quality service to make your warehouse hazard free.
Take a look at our best sellers within our warehouse range:
Trips and falling hazards
Since slip, trip, and falls are the most common hazard in the workplace, it is essential to display informative posters throughout your warehouse or worksite. These vital reminders help ensure everyone on site is informed on how to alleviate these risks. Providing a cost-effective way to demonstrate your commitment to hazard prevention and workplace safety.
Forklift Accidents
Forklifts are a danger in warehouses as they combine powerful movement with heavy weight, and low visibility. Warehouses are busy work environments, so it is essential workers are constantly reminded where forklifts operate. This also encourages safe driving practices, helping to reduce crash-related costs and minimises the likelihood of injuries.
Falling Objects
We provide a range of sign materials designed to suit varying warehouse budgets while meeting diverse visibility needs to make workers aware of falling hazards.
Fire Hazards
In emergencies, clear instructions save lives. Our specialist sign range offers photoluminescent properties which ensures clear identification of fire points and action signs in warehouse areas of low light, or even power outages.
Mistreatment of chemical hazards
Our range of sign safety provides such an extensive range, it can offer storage for important documentation in a secure central location around your warehouse. Having this will make sure your staff are informed and up to date with CoSHH safety information.
Ensure Your Warehouse Meets Safety Standards
At GTSE, our Facilities, Warehouse & Industrial Signage range is designed to help you comply with the 1996 Health & Safety Regulations – Safety Signs and Signals and create a safer working environment. From hazard warnings to multilingual notices, our solutions are durable, clear, and cost-effective.
Don’t leave compliance, or your employees’ safety, to chance.
Don’t leave safety to chance.
Browse our full signage range today and make your facility a safer place to work.
