TJ Jacques, Compliance Specialist, Port Colborne ON · Last verified: 2026-10-10
| Topic | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DANGER sign wording and size | The word DANGER in legible letters at least 150 mm high, and a statement that entry by any unauthorized person is forbiddenOntario — Every DANGER sign posted to warn workers of a hazard on a construction project | Source: O. Reg. 213/91, s. 44 |
| Where DANGER signs must go | Next to a hoisting area; under a boatswain's chair or suspended work platform; at a chute outlet; at access to places with noxious gas, vapour, dust, fumes or low oxygen; where an overhead conductor over 750 volts is a hazardOntario — In addition to any other hazard on the project that needs a warning | Source: O. Reg. 213/91, s. 44 |
| Constructor notice | Posted in a conspicuous place: constructor's name (and business name), head-office address and phone in Ontario, and the nearest Ministry office's address and phone; health and safety rep or committee names added within 48 hours of selectionOntario — Every construction project, while work is done | Source: O. Reg. 213/91, s. 13 |
| Notice of project form | Filed with the Ministry before work starts, then kept posted in a conspicuous place or available for an inspectorOntario — Projects over $50,000 in labour and materials, buildings over two storeys or 7.5 m, and the other cases in s. 6(1) | Source: O. Reg. 213/91, s. 6(1), 6(3), 6(6) |
| Maximum fines | Up to $500,000 or 12 months for a person; up to $2,000,000 for a corporationOntario — On conviction for breaking the Act or its regulations | Source: Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 66(1)-(2) |
Last verified 2026-10-10 against the primary sources linked.
Sign Types — Danger, Warning, Caution
Signs commonly follow CSA Z321, a voluntary workplace sign standard that is not referenced by O. Reg. 213/91. The following labels are common site-program choices; the legal DANGER requirements come from s. 44:
Section 44 requires DANGER in legible letters at least 150 mm high and a statement that entry by unauthorized persons is forbidden. A colour or pictogram does not replace that wording.
A common site-program label for hazard information. Select additional wording for the actual hazard; s. 44 DANGER requirements still apply where required.
A common site-program label for precautions. It does not replace a DANGER sign required by s. 44.
Site-program NOTICE signs can communicate administrative instructions. They do not replace the statutory constructor notice or required DANGER signs.
Site Entrance Board Requirements
An entrance can be a useful place for site-program information. Section 13 requires the constructor notice in a conspicuous place, rather than prescribing a board at every entrance. Distinguish legal notices from practical site reminders:
- ✓ Constructor notice (O. Reg. 213/91, s. 13) — keep conspicuously posted while work is done; see below
- ✓ Site-program PPE reminders — hard hat, safety boots, high-vis vest, eye protection as applicable
- ✓ Site-program access sign — it does not replace the s. 44 DANGER wording
- ✓ Site-program emergency contact information — site supervisor name and phone number
- ✓ Site-program hazard alerts — any site-specific hazards (asbestos, lead, silica, etc.)
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PPE Requirement Signs
PPE reminder signs are site-program practice, not a named legal sign requirement in the provisions cited here. Choose reminders for the PPE your safety program requires; examples include:
Hard Hat Required
Safety Boots Required
High-Vis Vest Required
Eye Protection Required
Hearing Protection Required
Fall Protection Required
Hazard-Specific Signs
Section 44(1) requires signs in prominent locations and sufficient numbers to warn workers of project hazards. Section 44(3) specifically requires a sign:
- Adjacent to a hoisting area
- Under a boatswain's chair or suspended work platform
- At the outlet from a chute
- At access to a place with possible noxious gas, vapour, dust, fumes, a noxious substance or a lack of oxygen
- Where an energized overhead electrical conductor over 750 volts poses a potential hazard
For excavations, confined spaces or other hazards, review the applicable regulation and site safety program. Under s. 44(4), only a worker authorized to work in the area may enter an area where a sign is posted.
Placement & Visibility Rules
- Section 44(1): post signs in prominent locations and sufficient numbers to warn workers of hazards
- DANGER must be in legible letters at least 150 mm high under s. 44(2); the sign must also state that unauthorized entry is forbidden
- Practical maintenance: keep signs clear of materials, equipment and vehicles
- Signs should be maintained in legible condition — replace faded, damaged, or illegible signs
- Signs should be posted before work in the hazard area begins, not after
- Site-program practice: consider additional languages understood by workers
Constructor Notice (O. Reg. 213/91, Section 13)
Section 13 requires a constructor notice in a conspicuous place at the project, kept posted while work is done. Include:
- ▸Constructor's name and business name if different
- ▸Address and telephone number of the constructor's head office or principal place of business in Ontario
- ▸Address and telephone number of the nearest Ministry office
- ▸Within 48 hours of selection: name, trade and employer of the health and safety representative or each joint health and safety committee member
The notice of project under s. 6 is separate: file the notification form with the Ministry before work starts on covered projects, including projects exceeding $50,000 in labour and materials, erection or structural alteration of buildings over two storeys or 7.5 m high, and other cases in s. 6(1). Keep the completed form conspicuously posted or available at the project for an inspector.
Multilingual Sign Requirements
Additional languages and pictograms can support your site safety program. The cited provisions do not prescribe a multilingual sign list. Keep the DANGER wording and minimum 150 mm letter height required by s. 44(2).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
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Construction Site Sign Checklist
- Legal requirement: constructor notice conspicuously posted and kept posted while work is done (s. 13)
- Legal requirement: representative or committee names, trades and employers added within 48 hours of selection (s. 13)
- Legal requirement for covered projects: notice of project filed, then posted or available to an inspector (s. 6)
- Legal requirement: DANGER signs in prominent locations and sufficient numbers for hazards, including all five s. 44(3) locations
- Legal requirement: DANGER letters at least 150 mm high and a statement forbidding unauthorized entry (s. 44(2))
- Practical maintenance: keep signs legible and clear of obstructions
- Site-program practice: select PPE, emergency contact and other reminders for the actual site
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety signs are required on Ontario construction sites?
O. Reg. 213/91 s. 44 requires DANGER signs in prominent locations and sufficient numbers to warn workers of hazards. Each sign must have DANGER in legible letters at least 150 mm high and state that entry by unauthorized persons is forbidden. Section 13 requires a posted constructor notice. PPE reminder signs are site-program practice, not a named sign requirement in these provisions.
Where must DANGER signs be posted?
Section 44(3) specifies five locations: adjacent to a hoisting area; under a boatswain's chair or suspended work platform; at a chute outlet; at access to places with noxious gas, vapour, dust, fumes, a noxious substance or a lack of oxygen; and where an energized overhead electrical conductor over 750 volts poses a potential hazard. Signs are also required wherever other project hazards need a warning under s. 44(1).
Is CSA Z321 mandatory under O. Reg. 213/91?
Signs commonly follow CSA Z321 as a voluntary workplace sign standard. O. Reg. 213/91 does not reference it. The legal DANGER wording and 150 mm minimum letter height come from s. 44(2).
What should be on the posted constructor notice?
Under s. 13, post the constructor's name and business name if different, the address and telephone number of its head office or principal place of business in Ontario, and the address and telephone number of the nearest Ministry office. Within 48 hours of selection, add the name, trade and employer of the health and safety representative or each joint health and safety committee member. Keep the notice conspicuously posted while work is done.
How is the notice of project different from the constructor notice?
Section 6 concerns a notification form filed with the Ministry for covered projects, including those exceeding $50,000 in labour and materials or involving erection or structural alteration of a building over two storeys or 7.5 m high, and other cases in s. 6(1). Keep the completed form conspicuously posted or available at the project for an inspector. The posted constructor notice is a separate s. 13 requirement.
What are the maximum OHSA penalties?
Under OHSA s. 66, a person convicted of an offence can receive a fine up to $500,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both. A corporation convicted of an offence can receive a fine up to $2,000,000.
Related Construction & Safety Guides
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Choose DANGER signs for s. 44 requirements and a construction sign kit for your site-program reminders. Confirm wording, letter height and placement against the hazards on your project.