High-Visibility Clothing for Work Zones
Overview
High-visibility clothing makes workers conspicuous to vehicle operators and equipment operators in work zones, preventing struck-by accidents that are among the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Proper selection, use, and maintenance of high-vis clothing is essential for worker safety in high-risk environments.
Why This Is Important
Struck-by vehicle accidents cause over 200 workplace deaths annually, with many occurring because drivers didn’t see workers in time to avoid collision. High-visibility clothing can reduce struck-by accidents by up to 85% when properly selected and consistently worn.
Workers in construction zones, highways, airports, and industrial facilities face constant danger from moving vehicles and equipment. Being seen is the first line of defense against these potentially fatal accidents that happen in seconds with devastating consequences.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Choose Correct Class
Select ANSI Class 2 or 3 clothing based on work zone risk level, vehicle speeds, and proximity to traffic.
Use Appropriate Colors
Wear fluorescent orange, lime green, or yellow colors that stand out against work environment backgrounds.
Ensure Retroreflectivity
Verify retroreflective strips are clean, unbroken, and positioned to create full-body visibility from all angles.
Maintain Proper Fit
Ensure clothing fits properly and doesn't interfere with work tasks or other required safety equipment.
ANSI Classification Standards
Class 1
Minimum protection for parking lots and low-speed areas. Not suitable for highway work zones or high-risk environments.
Class 2
Moderate protection for work near vehicles traveling 25-50 mph. Suitable for most construction and maintenance work.
Class 3
Highest protection for work near high-speed traffic over 50 mph. Required for highway work and flagging operations.
Environmental Considerations
Daylight Visibility
Fluorescent colors provide enhanced visibility during daylight hours by appearing brighter than normal colors.
Low-Light Conditions
Retroreflective materials bounce light back to source, making workers visible in dawn, dusk, and nighttime conditions.
Adverse Weather
Rain, fog, and snow reduce visibility significantly, making high-visibility clothing even more critical for safety.
Maintenance and Care
Daily Inspection
Check for tears, fading, soil contamination, or damaged retroreflective tape that could compromise visibility effectiveness.
Proper Cleaning
Wash according to manufacturer instructions to maintain fluorescent properties. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners that reduce visibility.
Replacement Schedule
Replace garments when colors fade, retroreflective tape is damaged, or after specified number of wash cycles.
Proper Storage
Store in clean, dry areas away from direct sunlight and heat sources that can degrade fluorescent materials.
Beyond the Basics
- Enhanced Conspicuity - Consider LED lights, flashing beacons, or additional retroreflective accessories for extremely high-risk situations or nighttime work
- Seasonal Adjustments - Adapt high-vis clothing for weather conditions - breathable materials for summer, insulated options for winter while maintaining visibility
- Team Coordination - Ensure all workers in the area wear consistent, appropriate high-visibility clothing to avoid confusion for vehicle operators
- Training and Awareness - Understand that high-vis clothing doesn’t guarantee safety - maintain situational awareness and follow traffic control procedures
Selection Criteria
- Risk Assessment - Evaluate vehicle speeds, traffic volume, and work proximity to determine appropriate class
- Work Environment - Consider background colors and lighting conditions in your work area
- Weather Conditions - Account for seasonal weather patterns and visibility challenges
- Compatibility - Ensure high-vis clothing works with other required PPE and work tasks
- Comfort and Fit - Select garments that allow full range of motion and don’t create heat stress
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong Classification - Using Class 1 in high-speed traffic areas
- Poor Maintenance - Continuing to wear faded or damaged garments
- Improper Layering - Covering high-vis clothing with non-compliant outer garments
- Inadequate Coverage - Not wearing high-vis clothing during all required activities
- False Security - Relying solely on clothing without maintaining situational awareness
Discussion Questions
- What are the specific visibility hazards in our work areas?
- Is our current high-visibility clothing appropriate for the risks we face?
- What factors make it challenging to wear high-vis clothing consistently?
- How can we better maintain and replace high-vis clothing to ensure effectiveness?
- What additional measures could improve worker visibility in our operations?
Action Items
- Assess your work area to determine appropriate ANSI class requirements
- Inspect current high-visibility clothing for damage or fading
- Learn proper care and maintenance procedures for your garments
- Ensure you have appropriate high-vis clothing for all weather conditions
Related Safety Topics
Takeaway: High-visibility clothing is your primary defense against struck-by accidents in work zones. Being seen can mean the difference between going home safely and becoming a statistic. Make wearing proper high-vis clothing a non-negotiable habit, maintain it properly, and remember that visibility is everyone’s responsibility in keeping work zones safe.