Highly reflective apparel could save lives in work zones.
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Whether you are operating heavy equipment on a construction site or repairing a pothole on the highway, you are bound to be exposed to potentially harmful working conditions. Wearing high-visibility (hi-vis) apparel on the job is essential to remain visible to those around you. In this article, we breakdown what hi-vis is, why it is necessary, who should wear it, and lastly, touch on different types of hi-vis apparel—helping you decide what is best for you.
Hi-Vis Breakdown
Hi-vis is a type of PPE that has highly reflective properties which help reduce the risk of worker injury or fatality by allowing motorists and equipment operators to see workers in low-light or dark environments. Our eyes respond best to large, contrasting or bright objects. Therefore, the high color contrast between hi-vis clothing and the background it is against enhances worker visibility.
Working on roadways or around heavy machinery can be especially dangerous. According to the CDC, fatal work-related injuries at roadway construction sites average 123 worker deaths per year. In 2019 alone, there were 762 fatal crashes with 842 fatalities.These figures only speak to deaths; they do not even begin to incapsulate workers and citizens who were simply injured in work zone or machinery-related accidents.
Those who work in an industry where they are in close contact with moving vehicles or machinery should be equipped with hi-vis apparel. Some inclusions are first responders, road construction workers, surveyors and utility workers. However, workers are not the only ones who benefit from higher visibility. This clothing can go from workplace to weekend as non-workers, such as runners, bikers and dog walkers could also benefit depending on their lighting conditions.
Common Hi-Vis Apparel
One of the most traditional forms of hi-vis clothing is fluorescent orange or lime vests with reflective stripes in an 'H' pattern on both the front and back. The fluorescent color makes the wearer visible during the day, while the reflective stripes make it more likely that they will be seen at night, increasing their safety. There are many options for this type of apparel, including t-shirts, vests, jackets and pants.
Hi-Vis Color Options
Both fluorescent lime and orange are known to affect conspicuity in daylight conditions positively and using both colors together is an option when surrounded by a complex background. When it comes to choosing hi-vis workwear, orange and lime are top choices. While both offer enhanced visibility, they have different purposes. Lime is considered brighter which makes it ideal for urban environments where it stands out against neutral-colored buildings. Orange is commonly used for roadwork as it mimics traffic cones and shows contrast in areas with heavily foliage.
This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
Did you know that high visibility clothing helps you to be seen during the day and night? The fluorescent design of these clothes allows them to absorb and reflect types of light. This is to protect workers and pedestrians from dangerous accidents.
High visibility clothes are an excellent way to keep workers safe. And this attire plays an integral role in workplace safety.
There are many ways in which these clothes can improve safety and prevent accidents. Plus, you can choose from high visibility shirts, vests, pants, and many more products.
Today we’ll discuss six different benefits of high visibility clothing. We'll describe how this clothing can cut down the risk of workplace fatalities. So keep reading to learn more.
The most important function of high visibility clothing is its ability to increase worker visibility. This is a key safety standard in many different industries and environments. These industries include construction, railway, highway, electrical, plus countless more.
These safety products provide a contrast between workers and their surroundings. The clothes help workers become more conscious of themselves, others, and dangerous workplace machinery. This also lessens the chance of workplace injuries and fatalities.
Workplace accidents happen every day, with over five thousand being fatal each year. So wearing high visibility clothes can help bring these numbers lower.
These injuries have been increasing over the years. And the clothing helps promote a safe work environment.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private organization. They help create and issue business norms and standards.
For workers, they reccomend wearing high visibility clothes. And this is to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
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Complying with ANSI can help workers to feel safer and more secure while working. And while your workers are the number one priority, this is also good for your business.
In addition to reducing injuries and fatalities, it can also improve company morale. Furthermore, better morale improves production rates and turnover times.
ANSI has a variety of regulatory guidelines to follow regarding high-vis clothing. You can choose between class one, class two, and class three attire. This will depend on your workers’ needs.
Equipping your team with high visibility clothing reminds them that safety comes first. The more often they wear the clothes and practice safety in the workplace, the better. This can help nurture a healthy mindset on the job, keeping employees more attentive.
In addition, workers will appreciate your efforts to keep them safe from harm. Providing them with safety products shows them you value their lives and their labor. Workers who operate in dangerous environments know what’s essential and needed.
With safety clothing, your employees will foster strong work connections and communication. Respect will be mutual, and everyone will look out for one another.
High visibility clothing brings a new level of professionalism to the workplace. It helps workers form an identity and a level of pride in their careers. These safety products also communicate to others the nature of a worker’s job and the type of work they do.
The clothing also helps separate workers from civilians. This can help your workers stay organized. They can identify outside personnel or people who shouldn’t be on the worksite.
This also keeps eyes sharp, production timely, and communication high.
Additionally, you can order custom gear, like custom printed safety vests for your company. Custom safety vests promote your brand and give workers a respectable image. You can even embed your company attire with your company logos.
Working in a dangerous environment is already challenging enough for workers. And adding distractions to the mix can create life-threatening scenarios for your crew. Distracted employees greatly increase the risk of serious accidents and fatalities.
With high visibility clothing, workers will become less distracted in serious scenarios. Each employee will have a heightened sense of awareness for their co-workers. Plus, your employees will be less apt to daydream, which can also cause accidents.
It’s impossible to eliminate all distractions from the workplace. Everyone becomes involved in activities that limit concentration.
Though, bright and reflective gear will keep employees highly alert. And it may even save lives in an emergency situation.
Another important safety benefit is the ability to improve worker reaction time. This is especially critical for workers who operate heavy machinery, equipment, or vehicles. They’ll quickly be able to spot others and react accordingly.
For example, a driver is rolling through a busy work zone when another worker steps out. His bright vest quickly signals to the driver of his presence, so he applies the brakes. This extra reaction time can save lives in situations with little time to act.
In loud, noisy environments, our ears don’t serve us very well. And brightly colored clothing can help combat this issue. This keeps employee reaction time snappy.
The best part is that high-vis clothing increases reaction time during the day and night.
High visibility clothing is a great way to increase the safety of your employees. Safer employees mean more suitable, happier workers.
This creates a better work environment for everyone. And it can increase company morale, production, and profits.
Are you interested in purchasing high visibility clothing for your industry? We’ll provide everything you need, from vests, shirts, jackets, ANSI gear, and much more.
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