Valuable Practices for Selecting High-Visibility Workwear

Safety Regulations for Employers

In 2023, the construction industry recorded 1,075 fatalities, more than any other sector, highlighting the importance of consistent safety practices. According to OSHA’s general duty clause, employers are expected to provide a workplace that minimizes the risk of serious injury or death.

Furthermore, in December 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor introduced a final rule requiring construction employers to provide properly fitted PPE, including high-visibility clothing, to accommodate various body types, including those of women and workers who may be smaller or larger than average.

Conducting a Hazard Assessment

Each job site presents a unique set of challenges, meaning that a single approach to PPE and high-visibility wear may not always be sufficient. Before selecting the appropriate gear, it’s important to consider the specific risks, tasks, and environmental conditions present at the site.

Hazard Assessment

Visibility is a key factor in accident prevention. Walk the job site with a safety expert to identify potential hazards. Look for poorly lit areas, large machinery, moving vehicles, and stacked materials that could obstruct sightlines. Also, be aware of any other obstacles that may impair visibility or communication between workers.

Understanding Job Requirements

For high-visibility workwear to be effective, it needs to balance comfort and functionality. If the gear is too cumbersome or limits movement, workers are less likely to wear it consistently—and that can undermine its safety benefits. Ensure the clothing chosen is well-suited to the demands of the tasks at hand without being overly bulky, heavy, or restrictive. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics with flexible seams at key stress points like the knees, elbows, shoulders, and wrists to allow for more freedom of movement.

Assessing Environmental Conditions

Environmental factors can significantly influence safety on the job site. In hot conditions, workers will benefit from high-visibility apparel that also wicks away moisture and offers UV protection. During colder months, layering insulated high-visibility clothing can help workers stay comfortable despite fluctuating temperatures. In inclement weather, such as rain or snow, high-visibility rainwear helps workers stay dry and visible, allowing them to concentrate on the task at hand.

5 Key Guidelines for Selecting High-Visibility Workwear

Once you’ve assessed the site’s conditions and risks, safety managers and supervisors need to select the right high-visibility gear to help protect workers. Here are five important tips for choosing appropriate construction workwear.

Compliance with Safety Standards

Construction employers and safety managers should familiarize themselves with the safety standards for high-visibility workwear. Key standards are set by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 outlines requirements for high-visibility safety apparel, specifying color, reflective properties, and garment configuration. This standard divides high-visibility apparel into three types and four classes.

• Type O applies to off-road workers exposed to struck-by hazards but not road traffic.

• Type R applies to workers who face road traffic.

• Type P is for public safety workers like police officers and emergency responders.

Each garment also falls into one of the ANSI Classes, which indicates the amount of retroreflective tape and brightly colored material. ANSI Class 1 offers the lowest visibility, while Class 3 provides the highest visibility. Garments such as high-visibility pants (ANSI Class E) can be paired with other garments to enhance the overall safety classification.

Some job sites may follow Canadian Standards Association (CSA) regulations, which slightly differ, including the use of reflective tape arranged in an “X” pattern across the back of the garment. This ensures workers can be seen even when their back is turned.

Color Compliance

While high-visibility lime is often used for construction workwear, it’s a good idea to check with local authorities to ensure compliance with municipal or state regulations. Some areas may require high-visibility orange for roadside workers, while lime is more common on commercial and residential sites.

If there are no strict regulations, consider dressing new workers or visitors in a distinct high-visibility color to make them more easily identifiable to experienced employees, promoting a safer environment.

Fit and Comfort

Properly fitted high-visibility workwear is essential not only for comfort but also for safety. Ill-fitting gear can lead to accidents—too large, and it might get caught in machinery; too small, and it could restrict movement and slow down reaction times.

Employers should consider sourcing construction safety vests that cater to different body types, including options specifically designed for women. This helps ensure that workers can perform their duties safely without being hindered by their gear. Additionally, custom safety vests or personalized construction vests are available for teams requiring specific branding or customization on their safety gear.

Weather Protection

Instead of layering bulky clothing under a safety vest, it may be worth investing in high-visibility workwear that integrates weather protection. In colder conditions, opt for insulated jackets that meet ANSI/ISEA or CSA standards. For wet or snowy weather, choose high-visibility rainwear with removable insulated layers, offering adaptability to changing weather conditions.

Long-Term Value

Although it may be tempting to choose the least expensive workwear, cheaper gear can sometimes result in higher costs in the long run. Investing in durable, high-quality clothing can provide greater protection and a longer lifespan. Look for workwear made from abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced with durable patches at key stress points. Garments with bonded reflective tape tend to hold up better over time with frequent washing and wear.

For those seeking high-quality, customized visibility gear, Yurinox Workwear is a trusted name in construction gear, offering expertly crafted safety vests for construction designed to meet ANSI standards while adapting to various job site conditions. Backed by a team with expertise in industrial safety apparel, Yurinox specializes in construction work gear, including custom-printed safety vests and personalized construction vests that combine durability, comfort, and compliance, helping construction crews stay seen, safe, and confident on the job.

Check with manufacturers about repair services or product replacement options. Some companies may offer repairs or replacements for damaged components, which can extend the life of your high-visibility workwear, making it a more economical investment over time.

Stay Seen, Stay Safe

Construction work is inherently risky, but when workers are equipped with durable and comfortable high-visibility gear, they are better prepared to handle the hazards on the job. With the right safety standards, proper fit, and attention to weather conditions, high-visibility workwear, such as safety vests for construction, can contribute significantly to maintaining a safer and more visible work environment.