Safety Words and Signs

Goal Understand key work health and safety (WHS) words and signs. In Australia, everyone at work has a legal duty to work safely and to report hazards. You must understand safety language -- if you don't, ask.

KEY WORDS

hazard = something that could cause harm (a wet floor, a loose cable)
risk = how likely and how serious the harm could be
PPE = personal protective equipment (hi-vis, hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, steel caps)
near miss = something that almost caused an injury
exclusion zone = an area you must not enter
isolate / lock out = turn off power or machinery so it can't start

SIGN COLOURS

Red = prohibition or danger: "No entry", "Do not operate"
Yellow = warning: "Caution: forklifts operating"
Blue = must do: "Hearing protection must be worn"
Green = safety information: "First aid", "Emergency exit"

MODAL VERBS IN SAFETY RULES

must / have to = required: "You must wear a hard hat on site."
must not = not allowed: "You must not enter without a permit."
should = strongly advised: "You should take regular breaks in the heat."

PRACTICE

Match the sign to the colour:

"Fire extinguisher" 2. "Danger: high voltage" 3. "Eye protection must be worn"
"Caution: slippery floor"

Show answers

red (fire equipment signs are red) 2. red 3. blue 4. yellow

Create a free account to tick off lessons and keep track of your progress.