Why Do Workers Wear High-Visibility Clothing?

As well as a safe working environment and sufficient health and safety training, employees are obligated to provide their employees with the relevant PPE for their work and the tasks at hand. As one of the most effective and cost-effective forms of PPE, high-visibility clothing serves a variety of crucial purposes in a range of workplaces, from airports and construction sites to motorways, warehouses and hospitals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why different workers and employees make use of hi-vis clothing:

Ensures high-visibility in dangerous environments – The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the importance of PPE in our everyday lives, but hi-vis clothing has always been important for the simple fact that it does what it says on the tin – fluorescent and reflective clothing ensures that workers can be easily seen by others. High visibility is essential in potentially dangerous roles and workplaces, especially when heavy machinery is involved.

Effective in high-traffic environments – Hi-vis clothing is favoured by rail workers, parking attendants, emergency responders, airport ground crews and construction site workers for another good reason – high visibility is particularly important in environments with high vehicle traffic. In the same way that flashing lights and illuminated roadsigns are effective in alerting drivers of roadworks or potential danger, workers wearing hi-vis clothing can reduce the risk of going unnoticed and potentially being hit by an oncoming vehicle.

Reflective all year round – As well as reducing the likelihood of serious injury and potentially fatal accidents in the workplace, hi-vis clothing is reflective and effective in any weather, which is handy for those of us based in the gloomy UK. Thermal hi-vis can be reliably worn throughout the year by both indoor and outdoor employees, another reason why they’re favoured by construction workers. Whatever the time of day and whatever the weather, hi-vis can help to keep you safe at work. 

Professional and approachable – Hi-vis is essential for a range of safety reasons, but kitting out your employees in matching hi-vis and PPE can go a long way in promoting a professional image for your company. Potential clients are far more likely to use a firm with a professional image, whereas uniforms have been shown to foster unity and improved relationships amongst employees. (www.pinnaclemontessori.com)    

Differentiates employees – Whilst branded hi-vis clothing can work as a uniform and even promote teamwork, it’s also useful for differentiating employees from pedestrians and non-employees, which is particularly important in terms of safety and site security. Providing your employees with PPE and hi-vis (and ensuring that these are always worn) is one of the best ways of reducing the risk of theft or unwanted guests on site.