Facing a number of different hazards on a daily basis, including low visibility and heavy machinery, construction workers are among some of the most at-risk employees in the world. The simple act of wearing clothing that’s high visibility (more commonly abbreviated to hi vis) however, can ensure that they are easily seen while in a construction environment, keeping them safer and able to focus on their work.
From protective or warm items of clothing, to hi vis shirts, this short guide will help you understand the importance of high vis clothing for construction workers, and select the most appropriate items for your workforce:
Why is high visibility clothing so important?
For anyone working in an environment in which heavy machinery or equipment is being operated - particularly when visibility might be poor – high visibility clothing is a necessity, and can help save a workers life from the risk of accidents.
The bright colors of hi vis clothing make workers stand out, meaning that they can easily be seen by approaching vehicles, or by anyone operating heavy machinery or equipment. But aside from this, hi vis clothing for construction workers helps site owners and employers meet all necessary safety standards as outlined by OSHA.
How to choose the right hi vis clothing for construction workers
Such factors as comfort, durability, and safety regulation compliance, must all be carefully considered before you invest in clothing for your construction workers.
Below are some of the best and most popular hi vis clothing types for the industry:
· High visibility vests
Light to wear and easy to put on over standard work clothes, hi vis vests are a staple for construction workers throughout the world. Look for vests that have a reflective tape for visibility at 360 degrees, hot weather breathable fabric or mesh, pockets, and NSI Class 2 or 3 certification.
· High visibility jackets
Particularly during colder periods of the year, hi vis jackets can help keep construction workers warm as well as clearly seen, and ideally, they should have a lining that’s insulated for extra warmth. Waterproof and windproof is a bonus, and the outer shell should be rip-resistant, along with having reflective visibility strips in multiple places.
· High visibility shirts
As an alternative to vests, hi vis shirts are particularly useful in warmer climates, and are usually yellow, orange or green and come with long or short sleeves. Try to find shirts with moisture-wicking fabric, and ANSI compliance.
· High visibility pants
Hi vis pants are often overlooked, but when worn with hi vis vests or jackets, they can help make workers fully visible from head to toe. Pants that are water resistant are ideal for harsher weather conditions, as are those that are insulated, and they need to offer a comfortable fit and be made of a long lasting fabric.
· High visibility rain gear
Rain gear that’s hi vis is essential to help construction workers stay operational during inclement weather conditions, and when buying it for your employees, make sure that it is labeled as 100% waterproof, with seams that are taped for preventing the penetration of all water. For comfort, hi vis rain gear should be made from a breathable fabric, and of course, have reflective tape that’s ANSI certified.
A construction site whose workers aren’t clad in high visibility clothing is hopefully a rare sight, and if you want to ensure the safety of your workforce and enable them to carry out their work effectively and safely, investing in good quality high visibility clothing, should never be an afterthought.