Caution Signs

Caution Signs – New Zealand’s Largest Range from Emmjay
When it comes to hazard prevention, risk communication and regulatory compliance, the right signage matters. At Emmjay Safety Sign Factory you’ll find New Zealand’s largest range of Caution signage — fully configurable, available in multiple materials and formats, and designed for workplaces, schools, construction sites, warehouses, public zones and more. Whether you’re marking a forklift operating zone, a wet floor, a low-ceiling area, or other moderate-risk hazard, our Caution signs deliver visibility, clarity and compliance.

Why “Caution” signage is essential

• Minor to moderate hazard signalling — Under the AS/NZS 1319:1994 standard (Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment) and guidance from WorkSafe NZ, Caution signs use a yellow background with black text/symbols, and signal the possibility of injury (rather than imminent death) if the hazard is not addressed.
  • Clear communication — According to WorkSafe NZ, signs must be “in plain English, readily understandable … clearly visible and legible from not less than 10 metres away under varying conditions (for example, rain or poor light)”. WorkSafe+1
  • Duty of care & risk management — Principal Duty Holders (PCBU) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 must take reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health and safety of workers and others. Proper signage is one of the most effective and visible steps you can take to meet that obligation.
  • Preventing everyday accidents — Many accidents at workplaces are not “life-threatening” but cause significant disruption (slips, trips, collisions, forklift incidents). Caution signage helps reduce these “minor/moderate” hazards, making your workplace safer and more efficient.

What makes Emmjay’s Caution Signs stand out

• Largest range online in NZ — From standard stock to customised layouts, from small indoor stickers to large outdoor panels, we offer more options than most competitors.
  • 5-Year UV Laminate included (no extra charge) — All our signs and stickers come pre-laminated for UV protection, ensuring durability in New Zealand’s tough UV and weather conditions.
  • Materials for every environment — Choose from high-tack self-adhesive vinyl (ideal for flooring, walls or temporary surfaces), rigid aluminium composite (ACM) for outdoor use, PVC panels, corflute for short-term sites, and more.
  • Custom sizes and bilingual options — If your site needs a large façade sign (600 × 450 mm or larger), or requires Te Reo Māori/English, custom wording, logo inclusion — we can deliver.
  • Nationwide delivery – flat fee or free freight — We deliver New Zealand-wide. Freight is flat fee or free on orders over NZ$100.
  • Bulk-order special pricing — For multi-site roll-outs, campuses, warehouses or construction programmes, we offer special discount pricing for bulk orders.
  • Sustainability pledge – we plant a tree — Emmjay is proud to be the only safety-sign company in New Zealand supporting sustainability via our “one-tree planted” donations for every order placed. See our Eco-News page for details. (https://emmjay.co.nz/eco-news/)
  • Local expertise — Based in NZ, we specialise in safety signage for Kiwi industries: workplace, manufacturing, warehousing, education, construction, public venues and more. Fast lead times, local support and compliance advice come included.

Typical uses & applications

Caution signs are widely used across many sectors, including:

• Warehouses & forklift zones: “Caution: Forklift Operating”
• Wet / icy floors: “Caution: Slippery When Wet”
• Low ceilings or head-clearance issues: “Caution: Low Ceiling”
• Moving machinery or automated equipment zones: “Caution: Automatic Machinery Starts”
• Pedestrian vs vehicle traffic demarcation: “Caution: Pedestrians Crossing”
• Schools or play-areas: “Caution: Children at Play”
• Temporary site hazards: construction or maintenance zones requiring heightened awareness

Material, size & installation considerations

• Material – For outdoor or harsh environments, choose aluminium or ACM with UV-resistant inks and laminate. For indoor or wall/floor use, high-tack self-adhesive vinyl offers flexibility and ease of installation.
• Size & visibility – Signs must be legible from the intended viewing distance; guidance indicates visibility from around 10 metres under varying conditions. WorkSafe+1
• Placement – Position signs at entrances to hazard zones, at pedestrian and vehicle approaches, in well-lit and unobstructed locations. Avoid hiding signs behind open doors or foliage. WorkSafe
• Maintenance – Signs need to be clean, undamaged, legible, and current. If your hazard changes, update the signage accordingly. WorkSafe
• Customisation – Add your company logo, choose bilingual Te Reo/English text, customise colour or size to suit your brand or site requirements.

Compliance & standards you need to know

• The standard AS/NZS 1319:1994 sets out classification, signal words (“CAUTION” for moderate hazards), colour schemes (yellow background & black text for Caution signs) and guidelines for design and use of safety signs in occupational environments. codehub.building.govt.nz+1
• WorkSafe NZ’s signage guidance emphasises that signs must be durable, legible, placed appropriately and maintained. WorkSafe+1
• Your duty as a PCBU means you must actively identify hazards and ensure communications (including signage) are in place. Using correct hazard categories ensures your site remains auditable and compliant.

Keywords our customers search for

Caution signs, caution sign NZ, safety signage New Zealand, workplace safety signs, hazard signs NZ, forklift zone sign, slippery floor sign, low ceiling clearance sign, high-tack vinyl caution sign, outdoor laminated caution panel, bilingual safety sign, Te Reo caution sign, bulk caution signage, large format caution sign NZ, compliance signs NZ, yellow & black caution sign, durable outdoor safety sign, NZ safety signage factory, flat rate freight NZ, free freight NZ signs, tree planting donation signs, environmental safety signage NZ.

Why choose Emmjay for your Caution signage

When you order your caution signage from Emmjay you’re not just buying a product — you’re investing in a full-service solution:

• ✔ Local manufacturing and quick dispatch
• ✔ Huge choice of standard and custom options
• ✔ Durable materials and UV-laminate included for no extra cost
• ✔ Full NZ delivery with simple freight terms
• ✔ Bulk pricing that suits organisation-wide roll-outs
• ✔ Compliance-aware advice and assistance
• ✔ Sustainability built in: your purchase supports planting trees and reducing environmental impact

Getting started

1. Browse our Caution sign range online and select the sign(s) you need.
2. Choose your material (e.g., outdoor aluminium composite, high-tack self-adhesive vinyl, PVC) and size.
3. If required: select custom wording, add logo, bilingual text, choose orientation.
4. Order online — orders over NZ$100 qualify for free freight.
5. Receive your signage, install at the hazard zone(s) per our placement guidance, and enjoy the peace of mind of having clear, compliant, and durable signage on site.
6. Know that your order has also supported tree planting — thank you for helping a safer and greener NZ.

FAQs

Q: Are Caution signs mandatory in New Zealand workplaces?
A: Signs per se are not “mandatory” in every situation, but the legislative framework (HSWA 2015, Hazardous Substances Regulations, etc) and guidance from WorkSafe NZ require you to identify hazards and ensure communications (including signs) are in place. The AS/NZS 1319:1994 standard states signs are required to regulate/control behaviour, warn of hazards and provide emergency information.
Q: How do I know if I need a “Caution” sign rather than “Warning” or “Danger”?
A: The difference is based on severity of hazard. Caution (yellow/black) is used when the hazard may cause minor or moderate injury if not avoided; Warning (orange/black) covers more serious risks; Danger (red/black/white) covers immediate life-threatening hazards. Using the wrong type may mislead and cause compliance issues.
Q: What wording and colour scheme should I use for a Caution sign?
A: Use the signal word “CAUTION” (in bold black text on yellow background) and describe the hazard (e.g., “Caution: Forklift Operating”). Ensure any pictogram complies with AS/NZS symbols. The yellow/black scheme and correct wording are part of the standard for this sign category.
Q: Where should I place my Caution signs?
A: At key hazard zone entrances, pedestrian and vehicle approaches, in plain sight and unobstructed. The sign must be visible before someone enters the hazard area, and readable under changing conditions (rain, low light). Avoid placing behind open doors or obscure areas. WorkSafe+1
Q: What material and size should I choose?
A: It depends on your environment. For indoor use, high-tack self-adhesive vinyl is ideal; for outdoor, durable aluminium composite with UV-resistant inks and laminate is best. Size depends on viewing distance – make sure the sign is legible from the approach. At Emmjay, we include a 5-year UV-laminate standard at no extra cost.
Q: Can I customise the signs?
A: Yes. At Emmjay you can select custom wording, your logo, choose Te Reo Māori/English bilingual text, select size, material and orientation. Our team can advise to ensure compliance and clarity.
Q: How does ordering from Emmjay support sustainability?
A: With every sign or sticker order, Emmjay donates to tree-planting — so your purchase helps create safer workplaces and a greener environment. Find out more via our Eco-News page: https://emmjay.co.nz/eco-news/
Q: What delivery terms do you offer?
A: We deliver New Zealand-wide. Orders over NZ$100 qualify for free freight; otherwise a flat fee applies. We also offer special pricing for bulk orders.

Helpful Links & Resources

• WorkSafe NZ – Signs: Managing hazardous substances and signage guidance: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/hazardous-substances/managing/hazardous-substances-signs/ WorkSafe+1
• Standards New Zealand – NZS/AS 1319:1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment: https://codehub.building.govt.nz/resources/nzsas-13191994 codehub.building.govt.nz+1
• I-Cue – Essential Health & Safety Signs NZ (2025 overview): https://i-cue.co.nz/essential-health-safety-signs-nz I-CUE

In choosing Emmjay for your Caution signage you’re securing not only high-quality, NZ-compliant, durable safety signs but also aligning your workplace with best practice, reducing risk, and supporting sustainability. Browse our range today and let us help you “stay visible, stay safe, stay compliant”.