Wet Floor Signs: Proper Placement for Maximum Safety

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace accidents - and often the most preventable. A well-placed wet floor sign can mean the difference between a safe passage and a painful fall, protecting your employees, visitors, and business from unnecessary risks.

But simply placing a caution sign near a spill isn’t enough. Poor placement can make signs ineffective - or even create hazards of their own. Here’s how to ensure wet floor signs are positioned correctly for maximum visibility and safety.

Where Should Wet Floor Signs Be Placed?

Place signs before the hazard area – The sign should be visible before someone enters the wet zone, ideally near entrances or walkways leading toward it.
Use multiple signs for larger areas – A single sign won’t be enough in big spaces. If the wet floor is near multiple entry points, place several signs so they are visible from all directions.
Form a safety triangle – For larger spills or ongoing cleaning, arrange signs in a triangle formation around the wet area. This ensures visibility from multiple angles.
Avoid creating new hazards – Don’t place signs where they could cause a trip or block a walkway. Avoid narrow hallways, staircases, or blind corners.

Check visibility on security cameras – If an incident does happen, security footage showing proper signage can support your compliance and liability defence.

Other Best Practices for Wet Floor Sign Usage

Stock up and store them smartly – Have multiple wet floor signs stored near high-risk areas like entranceways, kitchens, and restrooms.
Ensure staff know where to find them – Signs should be easily accessible to all employees - not locked away in a janitor’s cupboard.
Remove signs once the floor is dry – Leaving wet floor signs up too long leads to sign fatigue, where people stop noticing them. Once the hazard is gone, take the sign down!

Act Fast – Absorb Spills Instantly with Spill Aid

Even with proper signage, preventing slips starts with cleaning up spills quickly and effectively. That’s where Spill Aid Super Absorbent Powder comes in.

Instantly absorbs spills of oils, chemicals, and non-aggressive liquids
Leaves floors clean, dry, and safe in seconds
Perfect for workplaces, kitchens, warehouses, and public spaces

Keep Spill Aid stocked near high-risk areas for faster clean-ups and fewer slip risks. Explore our Spill Aid range today.

Spill-Aid Caddy Kit

Spill-Aid S10 Spill Kit

Spill-Aid S20 Spill Kit

Spill-Aid S60 Spill Kit

Spill-Aid S180 Spill Kit

Spill-Aid Super Absorbent Powder

See all options

Find the Right Wet Floor Signs for Your Business

Having the right caution signage in place is a simple yet vital step in workplace safety. Browse our full range of wet floor signs at SafetyBuyer to ensure your business stays compliant and accident-free.

Need help choosing the right signs? Call our team at 0800 043 0161 for expert advice.