Safety Signage in the Catering Sector

We look at the unique safety signage requirements of the catering sector, part of the broader hospitality and catering industry. This includes hotels, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, pubs and clubs. 

A High-Risk Sector for Workplace Injuries

According to UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics for the period 2019-2021, the accommodation and food services sector had the third highest rate of non-fatal self-reported workplace injury out of all UK industry sectors, at 2,420 injuries per 100,000 workers.

This alarming statistic is driven not only by the dangers which are ever-present in kitchen environments, but also by the fact that the catering sector suffers from higher levels of staff turnover than many other sectors. This means that there will often be recently hired employees who may not yet be familiar with their workplace. 

All the more important to have good safety signage to highlight important information, helping people to become familiar with their surroundings and aware of potential hazards, reducing the number of accident book entries.

What are the Regulations?

With the broad range of risks that businesses in the UK catering sector are exposed to, the regulations that apply are extensive. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety.

For links to information provided by HSE on what you must do to make sure your catering or hospitality business complies with applicable health and safety law, click here. 

HSE, in partnership with members of the Health and Safety in Hospitality Liaison Forum, is the main channel for promoting good practice throughout the UK catering and hospitality sector.

If food is contaminated or spoiled this is obviously not going to be good for the reputation of the business or for the customers who eat it. The Food Standards Agency provides advice on the applicable regulations, as well as lots of useful guidance about starting and running a food business safely.

 Common Types of Safety and Hygiene Signage

Equipment signs – these ensure that staff are aware of potential hazards or mandatory requirements with regard to appliances and equipment in use within a kitchen environment.

Food hygiene signs – these ensure that kitchen staff are fully aware of any mandatory requirements in the kitchen regarding hygiene standards.

Food preparation area signs – these ensure that kitchen staff are fully aware of the different preparation areas which exist within the kitchen environment.

Food storage signs – these ensure that kitchen staff understand the different food storage areas which exist with the kitchen environment.
Hazard and warning signs – these warn kitchen staff (and visitors) of potential hazards within the kitchen area.

Mandatory signs – these indicate a specific course of action to be followed or equipment to be used to avoid causing accidents or injury. These signs follow the requirements of ISO 7010:2011.

Prohibition signs – these indicate actions or behaviours which must not be committed in the kitchen environment.
Protective clothing signs - when individuals are required to wear protective clothing in any catering or kitchen environment, these provide clear instruction as to what type of protective clothing must be worn.

Recycling and waste signs - these show where to dispose of or recycle materials correctly in order to recycle effectively and maintain appropriate hygiene standards.

High Quality Safety Signage from British Safety Signs

Whichever type of catering sector business you have responsibility for, British Safety Signs has all the signage you need. We produce a wide range of high quality safety signage, all manufactured in-house and using state-of-the-art printing technology. From the smallest cafe to the largest restaurant kitchen, we have you covered.

To see our full range of catering sector safety signage, please click here. If you don’t see the sign(s) you’re looking for, please contact us. Our team will be pleased to design and manufacture a bespoke design that meets your specific needs.