Tag: high visibility workwear
How not Wearing Hi-Vis Clothing at Work Makes it Dangerous for Workers?
The importance of worker’s safety is something that needs to be stressed. It’s more important than ever with the development in technology and equipment. Hi-Vis clothing has been proven to make a huge difference when it comes to workplace safety, but not everyone takes it seriously. This can lead to serious injuries or even death for workers exposed to dangerous conditions without enough protection from their employer or themselves. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how not wearing Hi-Vis clothing can make it dangerous for workers.
What is HI-Vis Clothing & Why they are Important for Worker’s Safety?
HI-Vis clothing refers to the high visibility workwear with reflective stripes, bright colors and other special markings that make the wearer visible even in low light conditions. The main idea behind having these types of safety gear is to increase their visibility and therefore prevent accidents or injuries. Such clothes are an important part of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – a group of devices people use at work for protection against various dangers such as chemical hazards, electrical currents or equipment malfunctions etc.
There are several clothing items that fall under the category of HI-Vis workwear. These include jackets, vests, coveralls and other overgarments, and safety goggles or footwear, which can all be worn for protection against something hazardous at work. Hi-vis protective wear is usually made from fluorescent materials; hence it appears bright even in low light conditions, thus Baixakis giving maximum visibility to workers during their walkways or movement across different sections of a factory etc. This type of dress code also includes accessories such as hard hats with reflective stripes along their sides as these prevent injuries due to falling objects or tools that may slip out from the hands while working on high surfaces.
How does not wearing Hi-Vis clothing makes it dangerous for workers?
Here are the reasons how not wearing Hi-Vis clothing makes it dangerous for workers:
Not being seen by others
The most important reason why not wearing Hi-Vis clothing makes it dangerous for workers is that they are not seen by other people. This means that workers do not get noticed when they are working in Crackeado low-light conditions, which makes them prone to accidents and injuries.
Being noticed
Another reason why not wearing Hi-Vis clothing makes it dangerous for workers is that they are not easily seen by other people. This means that instead of getting help quickly, the worker may get into more danger as there will be no one to rescue them on time or call an ambulance if necessary.
When working in construction sites, factory jobs or any work-related activity where visibility needs to be increased, safety equipment like hi vis vests should always be worn. They protect against accidents and keep the wearer safe from injuries and accidents.
Not being seen when working with heavy machinery
Another reason is that in high-risk environments, workers are usually required to wear bright Hi-Vis clothing in order not to be injured while they work around heavy machinery and using welding tools. This also helps prevent mistakes during the construction process, including walking into scaffolding, which can lead to injuries.
Not being seen when working around moving traffic
Another reason is that in high-risk environments, workers are usually required to wear bright Hi-Vis clothing to avoid being injured while working on roads or avoiding traffic accidents on highways. It is important for workers to wear Hi-Vis clothing and high visibility safety gear when they work on the roads as cars moving at a fast speed cannot see them easily. If there is an accident, it can result in serious injuries or even death if workers are not wearing proper safety equipment like hi-vis vests.
Conclusion
Hi-Vis workwear is extremely important for any job where visibility needs to be increased, especially when working around heavy machinery or with traffic. Not wearing it can lead to injuries and potentially cause death if there are no safety measures in place.
Why Investing in High-quality Safety Workwear is Beneficial for Any Business?
Safety has always been the utmost important factor for every organization. Every employee at work, needs to be safe from any kind of workplace hazard, and this goes beyond making sure they have a hard hat on their head. It also includes investing in high-quality safety workwear that will not just protect employees from hazards but will also benefit the business’ bottom line.
This article discusses why investing in high-quality safety workwear is beneficial for any business!
Why employees’ safety should be the priority for any business?
Employers should be aware of the fact that they’re responsible for their employees’ safety on a daily basis. Employees have to assume many risks in order to make sure any business is running properly, and some of these hazards are out of control when it comes to their employer. For example, if an employee climbs ladders or scaffolds to reach certain heights according to OSHA standards, he’s still at risk without proper protection, such as non-slip boots. When employers care about providing safe materials and equipment so workers can do their job efficiently, it shows they value them as human beings who deserve safety just like everybody else working there. By investing in high-quality safety workwear, they’re not only keeping their employees safe by complying with OSHA standards but also building the trust that should exist between employer and employee.
The key reason why investing in high-quality safety workwear is beneficial for any business are:
Better Brand Reputation: Investing in high-quality safety workwear is a great way for businesses to be associated with something positive and quality. It shows that you care about their well-being. This will translate to a better brand reputation as it shows how much you value the well-being of others over profits. This also gives the business an edge against competition since consumers are more likely to trust them.
Fewer Workplace Injuries: As mentioned, investing in high-quality safety workwear will increase employees’ well-being and help them do their job more safely. This is a safer way of working as it reduces the chances of workplace injuries, which leads to less absenteeism or turnover rate due to injuries since your workers are now able to perform better at their jobs with lesser risks.
Better Productivity: With fewer workplace accidents comes improved productivity for businesses. Employees who know they are protected by the best available equipment can focus on performing optimally because they no longer worry about getting hurt doing what they love – be productive! Less time worrying means more time spent making money for your company, so that’s another reason why this investment is beneficial for anyone looking out for
Compliance with Regulations: One of the crucial reasons for investing in high-quality safety workwear is that it ensures compliance with regulations set by organizations such as OSHA. Businesses who don’t comply can be subject to complaints or even lawsuits, so this investment is a great way for companies to ensure they’re always following proper procedures which are laid out to keep everyone safe and sound.
Reduced Costs: Investing in high-quality safety workwear reduces long-term costs since there will probably be lesser workplace injuries due to complete protection provided through your expensive gear! There’s also less absenteeism because workers know their jobs better now that they have fewer concerns while performing them – making them function at 100% efficiency! This means you have happier customers, increased sales, and more productivity which should translate to more revenue, and all of this leads to increased profits!
Positive Image: This investment also makes your company look good because you care about the well-being of others. It shows that you value their well-being over profit margins, so it’s a great way for businesses to develop a positive image among consumers and clients alike as they see how much companies are investing in making people feel safe at work. As mentioned earlier, a better brand reputation is something that will be beneficial in terms of sales and gaining trust from customers since people appreciate when brands do them a favor through little investments such as high-quality safety apparel being provided to employees who need them most.
Reduced Product Liability Insurance Costs: Finally, investing in high-quality safety workwear allows employees to take better care of themselves and the company. As such, this might reduce your product liability insurance costs because employees are now able to avoid accidents more, which means fewer claims against you due to workplace injuries!
Conclusion
Investing in high-quality safety workwear is a great way for businesses to be associated with something positive and quality. It shows that you care about their well-being, which will translate to a better brand reputation as it shows how much you value the well-being of others over profits. This also gives the business an edge against competition since consumers are more likely to trust them. Fewer workplace injuries, improved productivity, compliance with regulations, reduced long-term costs, and a negative image all make this investment beneficial for any business looking out for their own interest!
Understanding the Critical Requirements for Hi-Vis Clothing
Hi-vis clothing is high visibility clothing that has been designed to make you more visible in high-risk and low-light circumstances. The high visibility of the clothes enables you to stand out and get noticed; this means that people can see your presence from a much greater distance, reducing the chances of an accident. However, for hi-vis clothes to be effective, they need to meet certain requirements. Below we have mentioned the critical requirements for hi-Vis clothing that you must understand.
How does Hi-Vis Clothing Works?
Hi-vis clothing often uses high-intensity reflective materials to produce a bright, checkered pattern – these can be seen by drivers from over 300 feet away in the day and up to 500 at night. These garments have reflective tape that is sewn to the back and sleeves of high-visibility garments or is impregnated into the material. This reflective tape can contain retroreflective sheeting or prismatic film. In both cases, they are made up of laminated layers with high-index plastic films on either side, which reflect light when a beam strikes from an angle.
Which Colors are Considered for Hi-Vis Clothing?
Hi-Vis clothing will come in a variety of colors. The most common high visibility colors are fluorescent green, orange and yellow. However, red is also considered high visibility because it stands out against typical traffic signs, which are dark or light blue backgrounds with white lettering. It should not take long for an observer’s eyes to find the high visibility color.
Fluorescent colors are the most common high visibility colors because they can be seen from a distance more easily than other bright, solid-colored garments and materials. The brighter the color is, generally the better it will stand out to oncoming traffic or passersby in low light conditions.
Laws & Standards that Govern Hi-Vis Clothing Requirements
High visibility clothing regulations fall under several jurisdictions. Standards & regulations that apply to Hi-Vis clothing are:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) high visibility standards
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) high visibility regulations for motor vehicle operators and passengers
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) high visibility clothing requirements for workers in construction, utilities, transportation, mining, shipyard operations, chemical manufacturing, and processing plants.
The purpose of these safety standards and regulations is to provide high visibility protection that will help reduce the risk of accidents, injuries & fatalities.
Performance Classes of Hi-Vis Clothing
There are three main types of high visibility clothing: Class I, II, and III. The performance class is determined by the amount of fabric used in a garment with an increased level of high-visibility yarns.
– Class I garments have bright colors that provide high contrast to dark backgrounds such as asphalt or concrete construction sites or other areas where there might not be much light around. This type of high vis clothing can also be incorporated into other applications like medical facilities for staff who need to wear it during work hours but may change out into regular clothes when they get off work for the day. Class I garments are not intended to be worn in any other environment besides where high contrast is needed, like a working high-vis area or medical facility.
– Class II garments use fluorescent colors that provide high daytime conspicuity against green backgrounds, such as grassy areas outdoors during daylight hours or inside work environments with high windows that let in plenty of natural light. These pieces include long sleeve shirts, tee shirts, rain jackets, and slickers but should never be mixed with bright colors such as red or orange.
– Class III garments use high visibility colors that provide high nighttime conspicuity against dark backgrounds and are often used for work environments with little natural light. This includes jackets, safety vests, and high visibility windbreakers worn by construction workers who need to be seen at night when they’re working on the side of a road or in an unlit parking lot. These pieces should never be mixed with bright colors like yellow either – instead, opt for darker hues like purple, pink, browns, or greens if possible.
We hope this information helps you find the right Hi-Vis clothing for your workers that keeps them safe and meets your industry’s standards.
6 Key Reasons to Invest in High Visibility Clothing
The most important thing that every business needs to do is provide a safe workplace for their employees. Businesses that have employees who are on the road for extended periods of time or employees working in low light conditions must invest in high visibility clothing. High visibility clothing helps keep workers safe on the job and keeps others in the same premises aware of their existence, which can help prevent accidents. There are many reasons why investing in high visibility safety gear for your employees is worth the investment, in this blog will talk about the five most significant ones but before that, let’s take a quick look at why high visibility clothing is important.
Why is High Visibility Clothing Important?
High visibility clothing is important because it helps people to be seen in low-light conditions. In situations where a person needs help but cannot find the way out of their situation, high-visibility clothing would have made them more visible. High visibility safety wear also makes workers safer by increasing the probability that drivers can see them as they work near highways or large outdoor construction sites. Indeed, there are many reasons why businesses should invest in these clothes for their employees so that they may promote an increase in safety among their staff members and others who might need assistance at some point during the day.
Key Reasons Why Businesses Should Invest in High Visibility Clothing
1. Safety
High visibility clothing is designed to stand out to motorists and pedestrians so your workers can be seen on the job or while walking at night. High visibility clothing also provides a safety measure to protect the workers who wear them. For example, construction sites and building sites are often poorly lit after dark. If you’re working on these sites or walking in those areas at night, high-visibility clothes can help motorists see you so they don’t accidentally hit you while you’re working.
2. Employer Liability
An employer has legal responsibility for any incidents which result from injuries incurred while employees are performing their job duties – including accidents happening to employees on the way to work. Thus, with high visibility clothing, you can significantly protect your workers from potential on-site accidents.
3. Safety Regulatory Standards
Another reason to invest in high visibility clothing is that it can help you comply with safety regulatory standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a specific standard that requires employers to provide their employees with protective equipment for hazardous jobs, including apparel that makes them visible while working.
4. Cost Savings
An average personal injury claim as per industry is around $30,000, apart from the medical expenses related to an accident. Investing in safety gear such as high visibility clothing reduces this sum significantly.
5. Company’s Public Image
The company’s public persona can both be positively and negatively affected by an accident that results in a personal injury claim against them. This may also lead to disruptions, lawsuits, or even bankruptcy, depending on the severity of the accident which resulted from their negligence.
6. Worker Convenience
High visibility clothes help make job sites safer without affecting worker productivity or comfort levels. These garments do not restrict movement and allow maximal protection against potential accidents.
Ending Note
A business should pay attention to investing in high visibility clothing: There are many benefits business owners don’t realize while investing in high visibility safety apparel. First, these garments help keep their employees safe (from being hit by vehicles on the road, machinery operating in the same premise where they’re working), increase the visibility of workers on-site (so they don’t get run over or injured) as well as reduce liability for any accidents that may happen. Thus, High-visibility products are not only practical but also provide significant protection for both drivers and pedestrians.
Breaking Down Hi-Vis Clothing: Everything You Should Know Before Buying It
Hi-Vis clothing is of critical importance for any construction worker, police officer, or anyone who works in the outdoors. Hi-Vis clothes are not just to make you more visible; they also help protect you from accidents and injuries that can come about due to your visibility being impaired. This safety clothing is essential not just for you but for everyone around you too. However, there a lot of things that you must know before buying it.
In this article, we’ll break down all the things you should know about Hi-Vis clothing.
What is High Visibility Clothing & How Does it Work?
Hi-Vis clothing is designed with bright colors and reflective materials to make the wearer more visible in low light or nighttime conditions. Hi-Vis safety gear helps protect workers from accidents that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing a critical first line of defense when working outdoors. These garments also serve as effective tools for maintaining safety during construction projects, traffic incidents, public events like parades, protests, and sporting activities.
Hi-Vis clothes are usually made of fluorescent colors or reflective materials that stand out against backgrounds, making them easier for others to see. The main purpose of Hi-Vis Clothing is simply to make the wearer visible. The brighter you can appear from all angles, the greater your chances will be spotted before something happens, causing an accident or injury.
Safety Benefits and Features of High Visibility Clothing
The most significant benefits & features of high visibility clothing are:
- Hi-Vis clothing is highly functional and used in a variety of industries for different purposes. Some examples where this safety clothing is used are firefighting, construction work, highway maintenance, and traffic control. Hi-Vis garments often show up on the job sites as they offer important safety features that protect employees from injury due to falls, slips, or collisions with other objects;
- Hi-visibility garments also help workers to be seen by others in their environment, which can avoid accidents involving pedestrians on foot or those using vehicles such as cars and trucks;
- Hi-Vis Clothing offers protection against heat stress through its ability to reflect sunlight off the material onto the wearer’s skin, so s/he does not get burnt. This type of garment may also have air vents within it designed to release heat and sweat from the body and have moisture-wicking capabilities, which can help maintain a comfortable skin temperature. Hi-Vis Clothing has been shown to significantly improve visibility in certain environments such as nighttime construction work or roadwork zones.
What Must be Kept in Mind While Buying Hi-Vis Clothing?
Key factors that you must keep in mind while buying HI-Vis clothing are:
- The material used for Hi-Vis clothing
- Hi-Vis rating (signifies the level of visibility)
- Type & size (with regard to comfort, convenience, etc.)
One of the first things to consider when buying Hi-Vis Clothing is what type of garment is suited for your needs. Hi-Vis Jackets are perfect if you want protection from rain, snow, and wind, while Hi-Vis work trousers or Hi-vis shorts provide optimal visibility in work environments such as road construction zones where traffic may be moving at high speeds. Hi-Vis Vests which come with a reflective strip around the stomach and chest area, offer an excellent alternative to jackets, too, since they can keep your whole body warm in cold weather with their insulation properties.
Furthermore, hi-vis clothing is made from a number of materials, including nylon, polyester, or cotton, with reflective strips sewn into it, which makes it more visible when worn during daytime hours. It also comes in different types, such as workwear that can be dressier and tailored or casual wear that might have elastic at the waistband, so they don’t need a belt. These days hi-vis is even seen on t-shirts! Hi-vis clothes come in various sizes too – small/medium /large/extra-large.
Ending Note
Hi-vis clothing is a crucial safety measure for those who work in high-risk occupations. It should be worn by workers who are on the road, at construction sites, and even those who work indoors near machinery or chemicals that could cause harm if not seen properly. All of these environments require different qualities for hi-vis garments, so it’s important you know the risk involved in your job and the type you need before making the final choice of any high visibility clothing.
Important Things You Should Know About Hi Vis Safety Clothing
Hi-Vis safety clothing is a type of personal protective equipment that is designed to keep you safe. Protecting industrial, utility, electrical, & construction workers on the job is no small feat. It requires appropriate PPE and can often require high visibility clothing. Hi-Vis clothing is not only important from a safety standpoint, but it also boosts visibility, making you more noticeable to drivers, other workers, and other pedestrians.
This blog post will cover some of the most important things that you should know about Hi-Vis clothing.
What is Hi-Vis Safety Clothing?
Hi-Vis safety clothing includes any type of apparel that has been designed to be highly visible. It can often include jackets, vests, shirts, pants, and even gloves or hats. These items are usually bright in color and reflective, so they stand out from other people on the road as well as protect you by helping drivers see where you are when visibility gets low because of fog or dark conditions like nighttime.
Hi-vis clothing has two components.
- Colorful fluorescent elements: These fluorescent elements are made with special pigments that are brighter than normal colors: These pigments reflect invisible UV light from the sun as a bright, visible light. The fluorescent elements of hi-vis clothing make the most of any existing light, and thus, they can be seen easily in low light conditions such as dusk, dawn & cloudy days. The fluorescent element of hi-vis safety clothing also provides a strong visible contrast against most backgrounds, whether natural or manmade.
- Reflective strips/tape: These strips/tapes are made from materials that reflect light back to where it comes from. This reflective material is most effective in darkness, as they don’t provide much contrast in daylight conditions.
Most high visibility clothing comes with a combination of both these components, such as a fluorescent-colored vest/jackets with reflective strips or materials that are both fluorescent & reflective.
Why Wearing Hi-Vis Clothing Critical for Safety?
Hi-vis safety clothing provides protection against workplace accidents & injuries by making the worker visible to each other and anyone else who may be in the same area. This clothing type is particularly important for workers in the gas & electrical utility industry, and in the transportation industry, such as railways, highway, & airport workers. Construction workers, first responders, surveyors, sanitation & warehouse workers also benefit from the increased visibility of these clothing types.
The key to maximize the high visibility safety features is choosing hi-vis clothing that will provide the most contrast between your worker’s body & their surroundings. Make sure that the high visibility safety clothing you choose won’t blend into your work environment in any way.
What Should You Keep in Mind While Buying Hi-Vis Clothing?
The most significant factors you should keep in mind while buying hi-vis clothing are:
Fit: You must review the sizes of the workers you’re buying for & what they’ll wear underneath. Make sure the hi-vis vest/jacket you’re buying is not too tight or loose. Consider the number of tools they’ll be carrying around. The garment should be large enough to accommodate their tools & not hinder the visibility.
Coverage: Consider the percentage of the body that will be covered by the hi-vis garment. It is better to pick a jacket over a vest for nighttime to provide better coverage. Also, you should provide garments with fluorescent stripping on both the back & front for better visibility. Always remember smaller garments equal lower visibility.
High quality: Make sure that the hi-vis garments you buy for your workers are of high quality. These garments should maintain fluorescence- polyester, acrylic & nylon fabrics keep their fluorescence for the longest time. Also, the garment should be close-knitted and, therefore, bright enough for low-light work areas.
Ending Note
Hi-Vis garments are crucial for most worksites, an important part of any construction site. Not only do they help workers to be seen, but also for the equipment and vehicles on a project as well. However, it is imperative that you choose the right garment that ensures workers are safe and efficient while they’re working!
Why is HI Vis Clothing of Great Importance?
High-visibility (Hi-Vis) clothing is the most common type of personal protection equipment (PPE) that is used for a wide range of roles. This safety clothing has reflective properties & is made up of fluorescent materials & colors, making them easily noticeable from any background. As the popularity of high visibility clothing rises, so does some people’s mocking of health & safety ‘gone mad.’ However, this topic is not about making a fashion statement. For many reasons, in so many industries, this type of workwear clothing is of great importance.
In this article, we will see why Hi-Vis Clothing is of great importance but before that, let’s take a quick look at the three main components of Hi-Vis clothing.
Main Components of Hi-Vis Clothing
There are usually three main components:
- Fluorescent material– This especially boosts visibility during the daylight hours but can also improve visibility at night.
- Reflective stripes– They are designed for visibility during the darker hours; reflective stripes typically require a light source to work & create retro-reflection. These are essential for those working at night.
- Contrast material– This is a darker-colored part of the garment that is less sensitive to dirt than the fluorescent material & reflective strips, without which the functionality of some hi-vis clothing would diminish—the areas covered with the contrast fabric typically where the dirt is most likely to build up.
Why is Hi-Vis Clothing Important?
Safety
The main purpose for wearing hi-vis workwear clothing is the safety it provides to its wearers. This safety clothing is proven to prevent accidents & fatalities in a potentially dangerous environment, such as construction & industrial areas, where there are large vehicles moving around. This is exactly where the legal requirements come in.
Legality
The most significant reason for wearing HI-VIS workwear apart from safety is that it is a legal requirement for most industries. Regulating authority states that safety workwear must be conspicuous in form & reflective in nature.
Professionalism
Hi-Vis clothing sends a message to the world not just about the employees within a company but also about the organization. It portrays that they are professional, reliable, and respectful of the rules & safety standards of their employees. Therefore, people are more likely to trust a company that fully equips its staff with all the necessary workwear.
Identity
An especially significant note for workers working in larger companies having a big workforce, or in areas where there might be a mixture of people from different sectors, or when they are working within settings where the general public are present. Hi Vis clothing helps to identify staff & authorized personnel at any location. This enables the public & any outside visitors to identify staff members that can be important at goods inwards or security gates. Moreover, it can also create a sense of unity within the team & broadly promote the company’s identity, where hi-vis vests and jackets should be worn, at the very least.
Extra Protection
People working in jobs that require high visibility solutions come rain or shine. For cold weather, they need to wear hi-vis jackets that give them confidence that they will be fully visible & warm; thus, they can focus better on the job at hand. Additionally, there are also hi-vis waterproofs, including both jackets & trousers, that prevent workers from getting wet during rains.
Contact for Best Quality High Visibility Clothing
If you’re looking for the best quality high visibility clothing or have any further questions on the hi-visibility clothing range, please get in touch with Workwear USA right now!
Understanding the Importance of Wearing Hi-Vis Clothing in the Workplace
Safety must be the topmost priority when it comes to working in an environment where you need to deal with moving traffic, machinery, or heavy/risky equipment. Risky jobs such as Construction, Roadwork, Pedestrian Control, and Warehousing typically requires employees to wear high-visibility (hi vis) clothing to ensure their visibility to others present on those premises. The aim of hi vis clothing is to avoid terrible accidents that unfortunately are quite possible!
The correct use of hi vis clothing is relatively simple, and it is a reasonable precaution to put into effect. In addition to this, it plays a major role in maintaining safety & preventing accidents. Read on to understand the importance of wearing hi vis clothing in the workplace.
Reduces the risk of accidents & fatalities
Hi vis workwear clothing significantly reduces the risk of accidents and fatalities in a busy work environment. At busy work locations such as vehicular traffic, construction areas, marshalling yards, and industrial premises, hi vis workwear is required as per Health and Safety regulations. Similarly, in large storage aisles & warehouses, forklifts can be relatively silent if their warning horns are momentarily not in operation. In such type of environment or when working near entrance & exit areas of that premises, hi vis vests or hi vis work jackets are required as a minimum safety measure.
Essential in traffic management roles
Depending on the ambient lighting & any electrical illumination, full-body hi-vis workwear is necessary so that the drivers of approaching vehicles are able to see the wearer more easily. This is especially important in traffic management roles; the reflective trousers & jackets here are much more noticeable and, therefore, they increase the margin of safety. Probably the most effective choice of hi vis garment color is fluorescent or Day-Glo yellow for a traffic management role. However, it is important to consider the contrast of the wearer against any background for safety where there’s less than optimal lighting. Extra reflective strips on some types of hi vis waistcoat & trousers work as an additional bright feature for such jobs.
Useful for people other than workers
Not just employees, but wearing brightly colored reflective over jackets or waistcoats are also important for site visitors to maintain visibility and safety. Lightweight options can be considered for summer use, while thicker & heavier hi-vis clothing with thermal insulation is clearly suitable for winter temperatures. Hi-vis clothing or jackets are also suggested for motorcycle couriers as they help to prevent accidents & certain life-threatening injuries.
Brings uniformity of appearance
In addition to the safety benefits that hi vis clothing provides, it can also be used for identifying staff & authorized personnel in any given location – particularly where access is controlled or restricted for safety or security reasons. This uniformity of appearance provided by hi vis clothing makes it easier for approaching visitors to identify company employees at goods inwards or security gates. Also, it fosters a team spirit in the employees and helps in increases awareness of a company’s presence by promoting a visible corporate identity.
Important Things You Should Know Before Buying High Visibility Clothing
High Visibility clothing allows workers to be visible in low light & dark conditions. Mostly, workers operating vehicles, working for traffic control, road construction, and railroad need to wear high visibility clothing to alert other people about their presence. This protective apparel plays a major role in maintaining the safety of the worker and preventing accidents.
High visibility clothing typically includes coveralls, pants, vests, jackets, gloves, headwear and more. These clothes are usually in fluorescent colors like yellow, green, orange, and red which can stand out in the work environment.
In this article, we will talk about the important things you should know before buying high visibility clothing.
Who Uses High Visibility Clothing?
Workers working in industries like construction, maintenance, utility, and emergency service are often exposed to hazards which require them to be seen by other individuals working around them. For example, a crane operator needs to see where his/her co-workers are to avoid an accident. Highway maintenance work needs to be seen by the people driving on the road alongside them. This is where high visibility clothing plays a major role. These high-vis clothing are also used for recreational activities. Roadrunners & cyclists need to wear reflective vests & fluorescent shirts or shorts to make themselves visible by oncoming traffic.
Benefits of High Visibility Clothing
- Makes workers highly visible– Hi-vis clothing differentiates wearers from the environment by making them highly visible to people around them. This protects workers from getting injured by oncoming traffic.
- Promote a safe environment– Providing a safe working environment for employees must be the top priority for any business firm. The productivity of a worker tends to increase when they feel safe at the job site. Thus, investing in high visibility clothing would benefit any business tremendously.
- Reduces risk of an accident– Most of the workplace accidents occur because of the incapability of the drivers to clearly see the onsite workers. Hi-vis clothing provides great visibility to vehicle operators, which automatically decreases the chances of accidents.
Factors to Consider Before Buying High Visibility Clothing
Buying the best & most suitable safety apparel is very important. One should not compromise on the quality of these safety wears. Below are some of the most significant factor that you must consider before purchasing hi-vis clothes.
Size & coverage
- Large & bright clothes are often more visible.
- For maximum visibility, use full-body coverage clothes.
- Do not wear other garments on these Hi-vis clothes.
Fit
- The garments should fit well to the worker for increased safety & best performance.
- These clothing must be comfortable to wear, and material should not feel rough on the skin.
- Make sure the clothing doesn’t have any sharp edges or projections which can cause excessive irritation.
Design
- Hi-vis clothing must have a waist-level horizontal stripe or belt.
- The front part should have two vertical stripes passing over the shoulder to the waist.
- On the back, there should be symmetric X.
- To enhance the visibility of the worker’s body in motion, contrast stripes on arms & legs are helpful.
Brightness
- The background material of these clothing must be in a bright color because only then it will provide high visibility.
- Bright colors provide more visibility in daylight conditions than dull colors.
- Make sure you choose fluorescent colors if you’re working in low light conditions.
- Retro-reflective clothing is often considered the best for working in dark conditions. Fluorescent materials are typically ineffective at night.
Conclusion
It is vital to ensure that you purchase high-quality, high-visibility clothing for your workers. Also, wear HV clothes that are specific for the job site and the type of work. This will enhance safety and productivity.
How High Visibility Vest ensures worker’s safety?
Employees’ safety should always be the top priority for any business. The use of high-visibility clothing plays an important in decreasing the possibility of injuries, the. High visibility vest allows workers to be seen in low-light conditions where the risk of getting injured is high.
High visibility vests come in various reflective & fluorescent bright colors specifically to be used during the day & at night. It is vital to choose the appropriate hi vis clothing that best suits the job environment and work conditions.
- Reflective vests are best for use in low light levels, i.e., they are best suited for night time work environments.
- Fluorescent vests are better suited for bright & daytime work environments.
In this article, we will see the benefits these hi vis vests provide and the components of high visibility clothing design which ensures worker’s safety.
Benefits of Hi-Vis Vest
- Ensure employees remain visible at all times– Hi vis vest makes it easier for your employees to be visible to others at the work station by making their regular clothing stand out from the background.
- Enables drivers to see workers– In roadside construction site or other areas where there is vehicle traffic, wearing the right high visibility vest reduces the risks of workers getting injured by oncoming traffic.
- Creates a safer working environment- Your employees tend to feel safer when they have access to high visibility clothing. This increased safety translates into increased productivity & better employee morale.
- Reduced likelihood of accidents- Accidents usually occurs due to incapability of the drivers to clearly see the onsite workers. This risk is reduced significantly by using the right hi vis vest as it provides great visibility to the vehicle operators.
Components of High-Visibility Design
High visibility vest is designed to be easily spotted. The human eye best responds to objects that are bright, large & moving. Because of this, hi vis vest has become important when it comes to workplace safety.
Importance of Color
These vest come in bright, attention-grabbing colors such as fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, and red. These hi vis vests have strips of reflective material colored with white or silver. This material is very useful for workers working during night hours and in areas with low-visibility lighting. One of the most significant uses of high-visibility vests is it makes it easier for drivers to spot a worker on the road in construction zones. The location & configuration of the reflective material enables a person to know which way the wearer is standing – facing them, or with their back toward them. The reflective material typically provides 360-degree visibility and has horizontal gaps of 50mm or less.
Lightweight Material
The material of hi vis vests is very light in weight and easy for workers to maneuver in. These vests are typically made from the web or net-like mesh material. Mesh material is used because it adds a minimal amount of weight to a person and dries out easily when wet.
Other Customizable Safety Options
Hi vis vests also come in a variety of options which makes them more customizable. Depending upon the specific application, these vests can have a varying number of pockets & closures. These pockets can be both inside & out and can be designed for different purposes, such as holding cellphones, tablets, and drawings/blueprints. The closures on hi vis vests range from three different materials which include Velcro, zippers and breakaway designs.
Ending Note
Whether you’re working in an office or on a roadway, safety should be the topmost priority. Make sure to check your surroundings for any hazards which can harm you or others. Making sure to take all precautions in order to ensure the safety of employees; this will not just keep you safe but will also make a happier and better workplace.