Why Hi-Vis Vests are the Perfect Safety Item for Work

It’s that time of the year again, when we think about our future and how to make it a more secure one. An article published by workforce analytics company Hays states that a lack of visibility is the biggest barrier to workplace safety. Being able to see your surroundings at all times makes it easier to avoid potential hazards. A hi-vis vest is one of the best safety items you can have in your possession when working outdoors. These vests are designed with workers in mind, so they come with reflective panels, bright colors, and a high-visibility strip on the back. This article will help you know everything you need to know about these vests and why you should get one for your office or factory.

What is a High-Visibility Vest?

High visibility vest is gear that is specially designed for outdoor work environments. The high-visibility colors and reflective panels on the vests are meant to help workers be seen by others, for example, by motorists or by other workers on the construction site. These vests are made of durable materials, like nylon, spandex, or breathable material, like polyester. The nylon vests are sturdy and can withstand repeated washings, which makes them a good choice for public works and construction sites. The spandex vests can withstand higher temperatures and are more comfortable to wear. High-visibility vests are most commonly used by construction workers, road maintenance crews, farmers, and utility workers.

Benefits of Having a Hi-Vis Vest

- Increased Safety - Few things can improve your safety when working outside as much as a high-visibility vest can. When you’re wearing one, it’s easier to be seen by other workers on the job site, emergency services personnel, and motorists. This increases your chances of being rescued should you become injured or trapped.

- Better Organization - Many high-visibility vests come with a waist belt and shoulder strap, which makes them great organizational tools. You can keep emergency equipment like a radio, a first aid kit, and a spare pair of keys on the belt. The shoulder strap can be used to hang tools or equipment from a pole or scaffolding.

- Protection From Sunburn - If you spend a lot of time outside, wearing a high-visibility vest is a good way to prevent sunburn. The high-visibility colors of the vests are visible from a long distance, so you can stay in the shade without having to worry about wearing the wrong clothes or sunscreen.

Types of High-Visibility Vests

- Hi-Visibility Yellow - The hi-vis yellow vest is a great option for construction workers and utility workers who spend a lot of time in the sun. These vests are bright yellow with a high-visibility orange band on the back. These vests are made of durable materials, like nylon and spandex, so you can wear them for a long time without worrying about damage.

- Hi-Visibility Orange - The hi-vis orange vest is another common choice for construction workers and utility workers. These vests are orange with a high-visibility yellow band on the back. These vests are also made of durable materials, like nylon and spandex, so you can wear them for a long time without worrying about damage.

- Hi-Visibility Yellow + Orange - The hi-vis yellow vest can be paired with the hi-vis orange vest to create a hi-vis vest that is bright yellow with a high-visibility orange band on the back. These vests are made of durable materials, like nylon and spandex, so you can wear them for a long time without worrying about damage.

Which Hi-Vis Vest Should You Buy?

The first thing you should consider when buying a hi-vis vest is the color. Yellow and orange are the most visible colors when driving on a road, so you should consider getting one of these. Next, think about the type of work you do daily and choose a vest based on that. Each type of work has its advantages and disadvantages, so think about which one would be best for you.

- Construction Workers - The construction worker has to deal with all kinds of weather, like rain and snow. The hi-vis yellow vest can withstand these weather conditions, while the orange vest will protect you from the sun. The orange vest is also more comfortable to wear, compared to the yellow.

- Utility Workers - Utility workers often work in dark and dangerous areas, like power plants and mining sites. The hi-vis orange vest is a good choice for these environments. The orange color is visible from a long distance and will protect you from the dark.

When Should You Wear A Hi-Vis Vest?

While there isn’t a specific time when wearing a hi-vis vest is required, there are certain times when you should wear one. The most common time is at night when working on an outdoor construction site. Next, you should wear a high-vis vest during inclement weather, like heavy rain or snow. Extreme heat may be another time when you want to wear a high-vis vest, like while working on a road that is being paved.