Business Signage that is safe is vital for Good Branding

By Signing Australia Custom Signs – Signage Experts in Perth and Regional WA

Your business signage does more than just tell people where you are.

It represents your brand, conveys key information, and contributes to public safety. But when any signage is not properly maintained or updated, it can quickly turn from a valuable asset into a serious liability, which can fall on the tenant and/or the landlord.

At Signing Australia, we’ve seen it all — from pylon signs leaning dangerously in the wind to outdated fascia signage with incorrect business hours. If you’re unsure whether your signage is helping or harming your business, here are five warning signs to watch out for.

 

1. Ageing or Outdated Signage

Time takes a toll on every sign. Whether it’s fading paint, cracking vinyl, or rusting bolts, age is one of the clearest indicators that a sign needs attention.

Older signs can present risks in several ways:

• • Material degradation makes them vulnerable to strong wind, rain, or UV exposure.

• • Structural weaknesses may develop in the mounting system, particularly if bolts, poles, or fixings are corroded or fatigued.

As signage regulations evolve. A sign installed many years ago may no longer meet the current National Construction Code (NCC) or local council requirements. This alone could expose your business to compliance issues.

Regular maintenance and audits by a professional signage company or building inspector can mitigate problems before they occur.

 

2. Visible Damage or Deterioration

If your sign is cracked, dented, faded, or warped, it’s more than just a cosmetic problem: it is a potential safety hazard.

Damaged signs can:

• • Fall apart during storms or high winds

• • Cause injury to pedestrians or staff

• • Damage vehicles or surrounding property

In coastal areas like Rockingham and greater Perth, signs are often exposed to corrosive sea air, making damage even more likely over time.

Checking your signage regularly ensures that you are aware of deterioration before it becomes problematic. This may involve accessing your roof or awning to do a close inspection.

 

3. Leaning or Unstable Support Structures

A sign that leans or wobbles isn’t just unattractive, it is a serious liability risk. Freestanding signs, such as pylons or pole-mounted signage, rely on solid foundations and robust structural supports. If those supports degrade or shift over time, the entire sign may become unstable.

Common causes include:

• • Poor-quality installation

• • Soil erosion around foundations

• • Rusted anchor bolts or mounting brackets

• • High wind exposure (especially in Wind Region B, which includes the Perth metro and Rockingham)

According to AS/NZS 1170.2, signage must be designed to suit the wind region it’s installed in. If a structure fails to meet those specifications and falls, the sign owner could be held liable for negligence under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1985 (WA).

We recommend regular monitoring of your signage, especially after high wind or rain events. Contact your trusted signage company if you have any concerns.

 

4. Missing or Falling Pieces

Letters, panels, or logos that detach from a sign may not seem like a big deal, until someone gets hurt.

Falling signage components:

• • Pose a real risk of personal injury or property damage

• • Are a clear indication that the structural integrity has been compromised

From a legal standpoint, if a piece of your sign causes harm due to lack of maintenance or inspection, your business could face claims under the Civil Liability Act 2002 (WA).

Falling elements, like lettering, can be as a result of poorly installed signage, an aging sign or as a result of a high wind event. What ever the reason you can be liable for any damage or injury incurred. Making sure your business insurance covers your signage and being vigilant about your signs conditions and getting professional repairs will reduce the likelihood of problems occurring.

 

5. Non-Compliance with Current Regulations

Australian signage must adhere to a combination of national and local regulations, including:

• • The National Construction Code (NCC)

• • Relevant AS/NZS standards (like AS1170.2 for wind loading)

• • Statutory Building Codes

• • Local government planning policies

If your signage doesn’t comply, it can be a legal liability. Councils may issue infringement notices, insurance claims can be denied, and in the event of an injury or structural failure, your business could face legal action for negligence.

Both landlords and tenants may share responsibility, depending on the lease agreement and who arranged installation or maintenance. Ultimately, whoever failed to take reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm may be found at fault.

 

Is your signage provider looking after your best interests?

 

Why the Cheapest Sign Option Could Cost You More in the Long Run

While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest signage option to save on upfront costs, low-cost signs often compromise on quality, durability, and compliance. And this can end up costing you significantly more down the track.  It is important to ensure that each sign is designed to withstand Western Australia’s harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, UV exposure, and coastal corrosion. Over time, these signs can fade, crack, or even collapse, creating serious safety hazards. If a poorly made or improperly installed sign causes injury or property damage, the business owner can be held legally liable for negligence, as outlined in the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1985 (WA) and the Civil Liability Act 2002 (WA). In addition, some signage providers supply sign to their client that often fail to meet the National Construction Code (NCC) or Australian Standards, putting your business at risk of council fines, insurance issues, and reputational harm. When you invest in professional, compliant signage from a trusted and qualified provider like Signing Australia, you’re choosing long-term value, brand integrity, and legal peace of mind.