Ontario Construction Site Safety Signs — OHSA Requirements

What Safety Signs Does Your Construction Site Need?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects) mandate specific signage at every construction site. Ministry of Labour (MOL) inspectors check these during site visits.

Project Identification Sign (Mandatory)

Under O.Reg 213/91, Section 12, every construction project must display a sign at the entrance showing:

• Name and address of the project owner
• Name and address of the general contractor
• Name and address of the architect/engineer (if applicable)
• Names of all subcontractors currently on site

Sign must be: Readable from the nearest public road or walkway, kept current as subcontractors change, and weather-resistant.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Signs

Under OHSA and O.Reg 213/91:

• Hard hat required — At all entry points to the construction area
• Safety footwear required — CSA-approved footwear notice
• High-visibility vest required — If working near vehicle traffic
• Eye protection required — In areas with dust, debris, or welding
• Hearing protection required — In areas exceeding 85 dB
• Respiratory protection — In areas with dust, fumes, or asbestos

Hazard Warning Signs

• Danger: Overhead Work — Below multi-storey operations
• Danger: Open Excavation — At all open trenches and excavations
• Danger: Confined Space — At entries to confined spaces
• Danger: High Voltage — Near electrical panels and temporary power
• Warning: Asbestos Area — If asbestos is present or being abated
• Danger: Fall Hazard — At unprotected edges, floor openings, and roof access

Site Access Control

• Construction Site: Authorized Personnel Only — At all entry points
• Report to Site Office — Directing visitors and deliveries
• Pedestrian Detour — On public sidewalks adjacent to the site
• Speed Limit — On access roads within the site

Emergency Information

Required in the site office/trailer and at first aid stations:

• Emergency contact numbers (ambulance, fire, poison control)
• Nearest hospital name and address
• Location of first aid kits and AED
• Designated first aid person(s) name and contact
• WSIB poster “In Case of Injury”

MOL Inspection Penalties

Ministry of Labour inspectors can issue:

• Orders requiring immediate compliance or work stoppage
• Tickets with fines of $250-$500 per offence
• Provincial Offences Act charges with fines up to $100,000 for individuals and $1,500,000 for corporations

Order Construction Site Signs

We produce weather-resistant construction site signage on coroplast, aluminum, and rigid PVC. Custom project identification boards with your company information. Get a quote for your construction site sign package.