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.
