5 Tips to Design the Perfect Construction Site Sign

A construction site is a busy, noisy, and chaotic place. If you’re trying to keep your workers focused on the task at hand, it’s pivotal for them to see where they are supposed to be working and know their next steps. Construction signs play an essential role in keeping everyone informed about safety guidelines and procedures, as well as promoting company branding.

The best signage can help construction workers avoid potentially fatal mistakes. Construction is the deadliest industry in Canada, contributing to the deaths of hundreds of people every year. To save precious lives and avoid potential liability, your signs must have clear, concise messages.

Here are five tips for designing the perfect sign for construction sites.

1) Use Contrasting Colours:

To make your text stand out from its background, using contrasting colours is a must. When designing your construction signs, avoid using patterns that can make words illegible from afar. For example: instead of a blue sign with black and white writing, use red text on a green background for increased visibility. Other colours that contrast nicely are yellow and black or green and white. Contrasting colours will make your signs more readable, which is necessary for construction sites where workers are often on the move, surrounded by other signage that can also contribute to visual clutter.

2) Keep it Simple:

You must keep your message clear and concise. Avoid using jargon, abbreviations, or acronyms that could confuse people who are not in the construction industry. Don’t try to cram too much information onto the sign. Avoid using unnecessary words or phrases. Keep sentences short and to the point, with big, bold fonts, for easier reading comprehension as well. For example, write “No Parking” instead of “No parking is allowed here.” You want a sign with simple words that your workers will understand easily even when they’re busy working on site.

3) Avoid Using Too Many Symbols:

You must not use confusing symbols. In most cases, the best way to achieve simplicity and maximum comprehension is by combining symbols and words. You must also avoid the frivolous use of graphics to make signs more visually appealing. Graphs, charts, and illustrations should be used sparingly, so they don’t become part of the visual noise competing for attention.

4) Make It Large Enough:

Ensure that your sign is large enough for people to see from far away. Consider that during dark hours people may need to rely on headlights to see. Vehicle headlights will be shining on the sign, so it needs to be large enough for people in vehicles to read. Some common construction site sign sizes are 18″x24″, 24″x36″, 36″x48″, or 48″x96″.

5) Make it Weather Resistant:

You must always consider weather conditions to ensure that your sign will keep up with whatever Mother Nature throws its way. If you live in a climate where snow and ice are common, you might need to use materials like steel or aluminium to withstand extreme cold.

Paper signs, for example, always have the potential to be vandalised or blown away by wind and rain. It’s in your best interest not to post them outside. Signs made from coroplast, for example, are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and can be placed virtually anywhere.

TR TRADES is a sign and graphics design company specialising in creating custom, well-designed signage for construction sites. We have pre-designed templates and offer onsite graphic design services to help you get the job done quickly.

Our experienced team will work with you to create an eye-catching sign that meets your needs, whether it’s for safety or aesthetic purposes. Contact us today!  We look forward to hearing from you soon!