Private companies use warning signs in the workplace to protect employees from potential hazards. They are also used on public roads in the form of traffic signs. A traffic warning sign indicates a hazard that may not be apparent on the road.

As an international standard, in most countries road traffic tends to take the form of an equilateral triangle with a thick red border and a white background. However, from country to country, both the color and thickness of the border and background may vary. For example, in the People’s Republic of China they appear with a yellow background and a black border.

In Greece, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Serbia, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia, road signs have an amber background and a red border. In Svalbard, the polar bear warning sign shows a white bear on a black background. Some countries like Spain, Norway and France have adopted an amber or orange background for construction signs or road works.

In some countries, instead of the standard triangular shape, they are shaped like a diamond. In Mexico, Canada, the United States, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and most of South America, warning signs are diamond-shaped and black on a yellow background, while warning signs are diamond-shaped and black on a yellow background. temporary signs like construction signs are black on an orange background.

They usually contain a symbol, but they can also only contain text. In the United States they are based on a standard, while in Europe they are based on the Vienna Convention.

Even older than that is the use of the first road signs, the old milestones that give distance measurements. In the past, before the 19th century, warnings of danger were rare. The occasional specimens were generally specific warnings about backing horse-drawn vehicles. The most complex signaling systems emerged in the 20th century, with the advent of automobiles. As vehicle speeds and traffic volume increased, nighttime usability and sign visibility became more important.

Modern road signs can indicate any condition, obstacle, or potential hazard that requires special attention. Due to the need to comply with European regulations, the British government will have some totally redesigned or removed road signs. Some of these, currently in force in Britain, are puzzling, misleading and confusing to many motorists, while some unusual warning signs are downright strange or funny. This is especially true if some foreign tourists see them for the first time. Some examples are:

· “X-Box Red Ring of Death”, which means that all vehicles are prohibited, except bicycles that are pushed by pedestrians.

· “I feel sorry for fools!” which means that there are no roads for vehicular traffic.

· “Visit mother-in-law” which really means Tourist attraction recognized by the Wales Tourist Board.

· “Hit the bag and see what’s in it” which actually means a lane control sign.

· “Giant moles can appear under your vehicle at any time”, which really means risk of stranding on a railroad track.

· “Giant numbered boxes floating in a nearby lake”, which actually means the number of a pedal bike route.

· “Danger. There is a frying pan and a camping stove on the road ahead,” which really means that slow-moving military vehicles are likely on the road or at a junction.

For the funniest and most unusual warning signs used in private companies, take a look online.