1910.145(c)(3): Safety Instruction Signs
Employers must use safety instruction signs where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions about safety measures.
Key takeaways
- 1910.145(c)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 136 times in the last 3 years, in 136 inspections, with $546,725 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (34), NJ (21), TX (11).
- Related part: 1910.145(c) Classification of signs according to use (227 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.145(c)(3) ("Safety instruction signs") is one requirement inside 1910.145 Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(3) Safety instruction signs. Safety instruction signs shall be used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures. 136 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.145.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.145(c)(3).
At 6:30 a.m. on October 28, 2024, an employee working for a fabricated metal products manufacturer was operating a forklift (PIV) to move a pallet of empty boxes. As the employee backed up the PIV, it fell off the edge of a 10-inch dropin pavement…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 23 |
Top states: PA (34), NJ (21), TX (11), OH (8), VA (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BEST BUY CO INC. | PISCATAWAY, NJ | $35,000 |
| SUPERIOR PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC. | OAK RIDGE, NJ | $24,924 |
| FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION | HUTCHINS, TX | $16,550 |
| SAGE V FOODS, LLC | LITTLE ROCK, AR | $16,550 |
| STRYTEN ENERGY | SALINA, KS | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.145(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Fall protection for employees exposed to hazardous falls from roofs. (1987-08-13)
- Attachment requirements for window washing equipment. (1986-12-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.145(c) Classification of signs according to use 227 citations
- 1910.145(c)(2) Caution signs 78 citations
- 1910.145(c)(2)(i) 66 citations
- 1910.145(c)(1) Danger signs 13 citations
- 1910.145(c)(1)(ii) 10 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When are safety instruction signs used?
Where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures.
Are safety instruction signs the same as danger signs?
No. This paragraph covers signs for general safety instructions and suggestions.
Does this rule require a specific wording?
This paragraph does not set wording; it requires the signs where general safety instructions are needed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.145 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.