SAFETY FIRST: WHY HIGH VISIBILITY SAFETY VESTS AND UNIFORMS ARE IMPORTANT

High visibility safety vests and uniforms are essential in certain professions to ensure the safety of workers. Some of the more common types of jobs where high visibility clothing should be worn include:

construction engineer wearing high visibility safety vests
  • Construction
  • Traffic Control
  • School Crossing Guards
  • Waste Collection
  • Road Construction
  • Emergency Services
  • Parking Lot Attendants
  • Tow Truck Drivers
  • Airport Ground Workers
  • Heavy Equipment Operators
  • Railroad Workers
  • Warehouse Workers
  • Utility Workers
  • Shipyard Workers

High visibility uniforms and vests come in various reflective and fluorescent bright colors for use during the day and at night. It is vital to choose the appropriate high vis clothing that best suits the job environment and conditions.

Reflective vests and uniforms are for use in low light levels and nighttime work environments. For instance, road construction workers who are working at night should have reflective clothing. The vests reflect light that is shined on them, so workers are easier to see.

Fluorescent vests and uniforms are better suited for bright and daytime work environments. The bright colors make it easy for people to see workers since they stand out. They are not suited for low light or nighttime work. There are some vests and uniforms that offer both types of materials so they can be used in both work environments. However, not all reflective vests and uniforms are fluorescent, nor are all fluorescent vests and uniforms reflective. Keep this in mind when selecting the appropriate high vis safety vests and uniforms for your work environment.

BENEFITS OF HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS AND UNIFORMS

Your employees gain several benefits when they have access to the proper high vis clothing for their job functions. Some of the more common benefits gained include:

man wearing high visibility long sleeve shirts
  • Helps ensure your employees remain visible at all times. It is easier to see employees, especially when their regular clothing could easily blend into the background. For instance, a shipyard worker stands out among the numerous colored shipping containers.
  • Easier for drivers to see workers. In roadside construction or other areas where vehicle traffic is present, wearing the right high vis clothing helps reduce the risks of workers being injured by oncoming traffic.
  • Creates a safer working environment. Your employees will feel safer when they have access to high vis clothing and workwear. Increased safety can translate to increased productivity and better employee morale.
  • The likelihood of accidents is reduced. While accidents can still occur, those relating to workers not being seen are greatly reduced with high vis uniforms and vests.

THE VARIETY OF HIGH VISIBILITY CLOTHING: VESTS, JACKETS, AND SHIRTS

High visibility clothing comes in many forms, each designed to meet specific needs. One such item is the safety vest jacket, a staple in many industries. These jackets not only provide the high visibility necessary for safety but also offer additional protection from the elements. They are particularly useful in colder climates or during the winter months, as they ensure the wearer remains both visible and warm.

There’s also the option of safety reflective shirts, which incorporate reflective material into the design. These shirts are ideal for situations where workers might find themselves working in low light conditions. The reflective material ensures they are visible even under minimal lighting, thereby significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

For those seeking a balance between casual and professional, hi vis uniform shirts are a great choice. These shirts give off a more formal appearance than a vest or a jacket, making them suitable for roles where interaction with the public or clients is frequent. Yet, they retain the bright colors and reflective elements necessary for a high visibility garment.

These shirts provide all the benefits of high visibility while also offering a smart-casual appearance, ideal for site managers or supervisors. The button-up design also allows for better ventilation, which can be particularly advantageous in hotter climates or during the summer months.

In essence, the variety of high visibility clothing, from safety vests to hi vis button-up shirts, ensures that there is a suitable option for every role and every working condition. It is essential to carefully consider the specific needs of each worker when selecting the right high visibility clothing for them.

SELECTING THE RIGHT HIGH VIS SAFETY VESTS AND UNIFORMS

To guarantee you select the right high vis safety clothing for your employees, you should review the ANSI Standards. These standards are referred to in OSHA guidelines for creating safe working environments for jobs which should use high vis clothing.

The ANSI Standards are broken down into three specific classes, numbered one through three. Each class describes which types of high vis safety apparel should be worn based on the type of job or work environment. For instance, Class 1 is appropriate for parking lot attendants, while Class 2 is for waste management workers. Class 3 is for the most dangerous types of jobs requiring the highest level of visibility, such as utility workers and road construction workers. For assistance in selecting the best enhanced visibility shirts, vests, and uniforms for your employees, please feel free to contact Prudential Overall Supply at (800) 767-5536 today! We offer options for renting, leasing, or purchasing your high vis clothing and apparel.