New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) has strict signage requirements for construction sites — and for good reason. Proper signage keeps workers safe, informs the public, and helps contractors avoid costly violations. NYC construction safety signs are required on most job sites to keep workers and the public informed about hazards and site conditions.
Whether you’re breaking ground on a new project or doing interior work in an occupied building, here are the top 5 safety signs every NYC construction site needs.
🪧 1. Work in Progress Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Tells the public what type of work is happening and displays key project info.
✅ Requirements:
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Must be posted at all major construction sites
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Needs to include:
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Project description (e.g. “New Building,” “Alteration”)
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Developer or owner name
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Contact number
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Rendering of the final building (if required)
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DOB permit number
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📏 Size:
The size of the required sign depends on the size of the frontage of the lot.
36.5″ x 55″ – Lot smaller than 60′
48″ x 72″ – Lot larger than 60′
🧱2. Site Safety Training (SST) Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Required on NYC construction sites to confirm that all workers and supervisors have completed the mandated Site Safety Training under Local Law 196.
✅ Requirements:
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Clearly states that all workers on-site must have valid SST cards
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Must be posted in English, and in other languages spoken by 10% or more of the workforce (e.g., Spanish, Chinese)
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Must be mounted at all public entry points to the site and clearly visible to workers and inspectors
📌 Pro Tip:
Make sure the sign is weatherproof and easy to read from a distance. Keep extra bilingual versions on hand for multilingual crews.
🚧 3. Sidewalk Shed Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Required when a sidewalk shed or construction fence is erected to protect pedestrians.
✅ Requirements:
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Must include:
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Site address
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311 complaint contact
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DOB permit information
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Standardized format with DOB-mandated colors and font sizes
🪚 Bonus:
Add your company logo and emergency contact for added professionalism.
⚠️ 4. Demolition Notice Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Alerts the public that demolition is underway, and informs emergency responders and inspectors.
✅ Requirements:
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Must include:
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Contractor name and license
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Emergency contact info
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Work type and safety warnings
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🔍 Tip:
Update the sign if project details change or if a stop work order is issued.
🛑 5. Safety Protocol Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Communicates essential job site rules for workers and visitors.
✅ Examples:
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“Hard Hats Required”
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“Authorized Personnel Only”
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“PPE Must Be Worn Beyond This Point”
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COVID-19 or sanitation rules (when applicable)
📍 Placement:
At all entry points and near high-risk zones like scaffolding or heavy equipment.
🚀 Stay Compliant the Easy Way
Navigating NYC DOB signage rules can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
At Kachy Signs, we offer:
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Ready-to-print DOB-compliant sign templates
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Fast turnaround (same-day available)
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Custom safety banners, hard hat decals, blueprints, and more
Whether you’re working on a high-rise in Midtown or a gut renovation in Queens, we’ll make sure your signage meets code — and looks sharp.
📞 Need Help or a Quote?
Check out our full selection of construction signs at nydobsigns.com, or contact us for a free signage compliance check.
Let’s build smart. Let’s build safe. Let’s build NYC.