You will need high visibility clothing if you work in a field that is high-risk to your safety. You’ll need to consider a number of factors when choosing the type of high-visibility safety clothing you require. These include the potential risks and the environmental conditions at the work site.
It may appear simple, but shopping for hi-vis clothing can be complicated. How can you choose the right type of latest styles of hi vis safety wear clothing when there are so many choices? Many people go with what they feel comfortable in or that suits their budget. There are other factors to consider when making the right choice.
This guide is for those who are not familiar with high-visibility clothing such as vests and jackets. It also includes pants, overalls, and pants. This guide will discuss the advantages of high-visibility clothing, and which suits your needs.
What Is High-Visibility Safety Clothing?
Safety workwear with high visibility is exactly as it sounds. Any clothing item that increases your visibility to others, whether you’re on a construction site, driving, or crossing the street. It can be found in jackets with reflective or brightly colored features, shirts and pants.
Wearing high visibility clothing can increase your chances of being seen by others, which is vital for everyone’s safety. You should be able see you whether you are working, walking or stationary.
- Drivers of heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, should be aware that they are at risk.
- Worker on busy road
- Construction workers
- Heavy Industry Workers
- Staff for railway and road transport
- Survey crews
- Security guards and other safety personnel who work at night
- Emergency response personnel
- Police officers
- Electric and utility workers
- Fire department personnel
- Airport and Ground Crews
- Employees who retrieve shopping trolleys from parking areas
- Personnel in the factory or warehouse
- Accident site investigators
Lists could go on and on.
These groups also need high-visibility clothing. If you are in the same field as these people, you should wear safety clothing.
Vinyl and polyester are often used to make high-visibility clothing. High-visibility clothing is characterized by its neon colors, such as green, yellow and orange. The fluorescent or neon shades are so bright that they “shine”, even in low lighting or dark backgrounds. It is easy to identify the wearer in situations where it’s crucial.
Reflective strips are available on some clothing items to increase visibility in low light conditions. Many workers work in environments with high risks. High-visibility clothing is required for construction workers, as well as other employees. This helps heavy equipment operators see people in the vicinity, saving them from potentially fatal accidents.
High Visibility Clothing For Drivers
Wearing high-visibility clothing is not just for pedestrians or busy road workers. It is logical that drivers should be able to see those who are on the road, especially when it’s dark. Drivers also need the same protection while on the road. This means that other drivers should be able see them.
Safety apparel is worn by drivers to be visible at night. This is also useful in bad weather, like rain or snowstorms. It helps everyone stay safe on the road. The drivers of lorries and other heavy vehicles, such as utes, are often exposed to motor traffic. They spend a great deal of time inside their vehicle, but this does not mean that they are always in it. safety clothes can protect them when they have to go outside, for example, to check on a construction site.
Why Do I Need High-Visibility Safety Workwear?
Wearing high-visibility clothing has many benefits. These safety items are primarily designed to increase visibility at night or in bad weather. Not only that. Wearing high-visibility clothing can help other people see you, including drivers. The increased visibility results in fewer road accidents, especially on busy roads.
Let’s be honest. Safety is often undervalued, be it on the road, or at work. Many people do not recognise the dangers until something unfortunate happens. In workplaces where there is a higher risk of injury due to low visibility, moving vehicles, or people, high visibility safety clothing must be worn.
The use of high-visibility items is beneficial for drivers and operators. This is because the human eye has been trained to react faster and better when bright objects are in contrast with the surrounding environment. It is useful in situations where drivers and operators may not have control over other people’s actions or movements.
For night shifts, high visibility clothing is essential. It’s also worn during the day, especially when there is movement of vehicles or individuals.
In Australia, there is no legal requirement that workers wear high-visibility clothing. It is the responsibility of every employer to ensure that workers are safe when in close proximity. This includes requiring workers to wear protective clothing such as high-visibility apparel.
Why people wear high visibility clothing has nothing to do with safety. Clothing items can help distinguish those who are working on a specific site. Identification is important in certain workplaces, particularly those that may be hazardous. Identification is quicker, and can help remove unauthorised people from the area.
Where Can I Find High Visibility Clothing?
You should know what you are looking for before you buy high-visibility clothing. Choose a high-quality option that has these characteristics:
- Durable: Since you’ll likely be wearing your hi-vis clothing at work every day, it makes sense to choose a durable product. It should be at least six-month durable and preferably double-stitched. It shouldn’t fade or rip. This is a common complaint with low-quality products.
- Washable: Although you should not use harsh detergents or bleach on the fabric, particularly the reflective stripes, the garment should be washable.
- Reflectivity: High visibility clothing has retroreflective paneling that should be effective not only at night, but also during the daytime. The panels or stripes must also be visible from all angles. If you are wearing a reflective vest, and you lay it flat, you will still be able to see approximately 40% of its reflective panels.
- Comfortable: Your hi-vis clothing, like anything else you wear, should be comfortable. There are some items that only come in a single size, but they should have straps to adjust the garment.
- Pockets make a great addition to clothing: Pockets are useful for most workers when they want to quickly store items.
- Purchase from a Reputable Shop: Choose a shop that has a good track record. You should read what other customers have to say about the shop, the products they sell and the return policy if you ever need to return something.