Depending on what the work environment may entail, workplace signs will differ from one occupational site to another.  What would be found in a supermarket or department store will be very different than some that are found in an office.   Just as those that are found in a factory will be different than those that are found in a warehouse.  While some signage like exit indicators will be found in all buildings that are open to the public or that have employees, there are others that will be specific to that job site.  An example would be high voltage placards that may be found in a warehouse or factory, but would most likely not be found or be required in an office. 

Workplace signs are usually warnings or instructions.  Restaurants and medical facilities usually have placards in the restrooms that remind employees to wash their hands before returning to their job.  Commercial kitchens may have placards that warn that the floors are slippery because of grease, oil, and water. 

Other types of workplace signs may be rules, regulations, and requirements. At a construction site, there may be postings that warn all visitors that venture beyond a certain point that they must wear a hard hat. In labs where there are many different types of chemicals there will be placards disclosing what each chemical is. There will also be postings as to what the required personal protective equipment is that one needs to wear in that environment. Some may also notify a person of the potential health risk that each chemical poses to someone that comes in contact with it.  There would also be placards that gave emergency contact information in the event of a spill or accidental ingestion.  

Some workplace signs may indicate directions on how to find different areas like a medical clinic in a factory.  Other placards may help to direct people to the nearest security office.  There may also be labels for areas that are restricted to authorized personnel only so that visitors do not accidentally end up in these areas. 

There are different types of signage that can be changed on a daily or weekly basis. Many times this is done in order to provide job specific information that is necessary for the employee to accurately and safely do their job.  These may be a required task chart or a duty roster.  It may also be a list of employees who are on the job during a specific time period for a shift or a week.  This is helpful to management in the event of an emergency so that all personnel can be accounted for after an evacuation has been conducted.

There are many types of workplace signs that point the way to the restroom, the cafeteria, information kiosk, telephones, conference areas, and other types of identifiers that are necessary to distinguish one area from another.  Without these placards a large area or building could be quite confusing to someone that is unfamiliar with the area, especially when safety is an issue.