1910.145(c): Danger, Caution and Safety Instruction Signs
Employers must use signs according to their purpose. Danger sign designs may not vary for specific dangers and radiation hazards, and employees must be taught that danger signs mean immediate danger needing special precautions. Caution signs are used only for potential hazards or unsafe practices, and safety instruction signs give general safety instructions and suggestions.
Key takeaways
- 1910.145(c) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 227 times in the last 3 years, in 223 inspections, with $878,202 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PA (41), NJ (35), TX (22).
- Related part: 1910.145(c)(3) Safety instruction signs (136 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.145(c) ("Classification of signs according to use") is one requirement inside 1910.145 Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 7 sub-paragraphs. 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
(c) Classification of signs according to use — 227 citations
(1) Danger signs. Open (c)(1) 13 citations
(i) There shall be no variation in the type of design of signs posted to warn of specific dangers and radiation hazards. 2 citations
(ii) All employees shall be instructed that danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. Open (c)(1)(ii) 10 citations
(2) Caution signs. Open (c)(2) 78 citations
(i) Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. Open (c)(2)(i) 66 citations
(ii) All employees shall be instructed that caution signs indicate a possible hazard against which proper precaution should be taken. 9 citations
(3) Safety instruction signs. Safety instruction signs shall be used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures. Open (c)(3) 136 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.145.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.145(c).
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 | 11 |
| 2024 | 88 |
| 2025 | 83 |
| 2026 | 45 |
Top states: PA (41), NJ (35), TX (22), PR (14), OH (10)
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 |
| HOWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. | LAUREL, MS | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.145(c), 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)(3) Safety instruction signs 136 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
What does a danger sign mean?
Employees must be instructed that danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary.
When are caution signs used?
Only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices.
What are safety instruction signs for?
General instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures.
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.