Introduction
High visibility clothing is more than just a safety accessory—it’s a critical component in preventing accidents and ensuring workers are seen in high-risk environments. From construction zones to roadways, these garments are designed to enhance visibility, reduce the likelihood of collisions, and ultimately protect lives.
Struck-by hazards are a leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in the construction industry and are recognized as one of OSHA’s Focus Four hazards. Most employers whose employees are exposed to vehicle traffic, follow the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear: ANSI/ISEA 107.
Safety
Wearing high-visibility clothing (hi-vis) helps prevent workplace accidents and injuries by using bright, eye-catching colors that set workers apart from their surroundings. To maximize its effectiveness, it’s crucial to select colors that create the highest contrast between the worker and their environment.
Hi-vis clothing is often considered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and may be required when regularly exposed to moving equipment, traffic, or low visibility hazards.
The General Duty Clause from the OSH Act of 1970 requires that, in addition to compliance with hazard-specific standards, all employers provide a work environment “free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” ANSI/ISEA 107 sets performance criteria for hi-vis safety apparel to reduce hazards.
Design
Typical components of most high-visibility clothing include:
- Fluorescent materials that use special pigments brighter than other colors and enhance daytime visibility, especially in low light
- Retroreflective tape that reflects light in the direction of its source, such as a vehicles headlight illuminating a worker in low light or at night
- And, combined performance materials, such as tape that is retroreflective and fluorescent
Colors
ANSI standards for high-visibility clothing recognize three approved background colors: fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, and fluorescent red. These colors not only catch the eye but are also universally associated with “warning,” making them highly effective for safety. They provide the best visibility in daylight, which is one of the key functions of hi-vis clothing.
Garment Types and Classes
ANSI establishes 3 types of high-visibility clothing that provide daytime and nighttime visual conspicuity enhancement for workers, including:
- Type O (“Off-Road”): For use near moving vehicles, equipment, and machinery
- Type R (“Roadway”): Exposure to traffic from public access highways, and work in Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) zones
- And, Type P (“Public Safety”): For emergency/incident responders and law enforcement personnel
Additionally, ANSI defines 4 performance classes of hi-vis clothing. Each class defines a minimal amount of background, retroreflective material, placement of retroreflective material, and technical requirements, including:
- Class 1: Minimum hi-vis material, non-complex work environments, and only for Type O work
- Class 2: Minimum protection for workers exposed to highway rights-of-way and TTC Zones
- Class 3: Minimum level in complex background, full range of movement, required placement of materials on sleeves and pant legs, if present. Sleeveless garments alone are not considered Class 3
- And, Class E: High-visibility garments such as pants, bib overalls, shorts, and gaiters. Must be worn in combination with Class 2 or Class 3 garments. Proper use meets Class 3 requirements
Note: Garments that cover the torso, such as T-shirts and safety vests, are intended to meet Class 1 or Class 2 requirements.
Life Expectancy
All hi-vis products have a limited lifespan that depends on usage. It is the responsibility of safety professionals, employers, and wearers to regularly assess the visibility of each garment. Additionally, these individuals are accountable for replacing garments when they fade, tear, or become excessively dirty.
A garment’s lifespan depends on the type of work, but if worn daily, it typically lasts around six months. For clothing not worn daily, the useful life can extend up to one year.
Standards and Regulations
Several agencies of the Federal United States Government have specific standards and guidance on wearing hi-vis clothing. These agencies include OSHA and the Federal Highway Administration. These agencies most commonly reference an industry consensus standard issued by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and ANSI.
Conclusion
High-visibility clothing is an essential safety measure that helps protect workers in hazardous environments by ensuring they are seen, both during the day and at night. By adhering to ANSI standards and choosing the right colors and types of garments, employers and workers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.