Workwear

Hi-Vis Clothing & its Benefits at Work

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What Is Hi-Vis Clothing?

Hi-vis clothing is a special type of protective apparel designed to make someone more visible in low light conditions. It is made from bright, fluorescent colours and patterns that are designed to reflect light. This makes it easier for other road users to see someone who’s wearing it.

Benefits of Hi-Vis Clothing at Work 

The benefits of wearing hi-vis clothing at work are numerous. Not only does it make you more visible to other people, but it also makes your presence known to your colleagues and employers. Wearing hi-vis clothing at work is a legal requirement in many industries, including construction, waste management and the rail industry. It’s also a good choice for anyone who works outdoors or in areas where there is a high risk of injury from falling objects or vehicles. You can wear it as a part of your uniform or as an additional safety measure when working outside or in areas with a high risk of injury from falling objects or vehicles.

The benefits of wearing hi-vis clothing at work include:

  • It makes you more visible to other road users, pedestrians and colleagues.
  • It can help prevent accidents by increasing your visibility to your colleagues and employers.
  • Furthermore, it can help protect you from injury by, again, making you more visible to other people.

Types of Hi-Vis Clothing

Hi-vis clothing comes in a variety of styles and colours. It’s available in a range of materials, including cotton, polyester and nylon and in different weights, depending on the weather conditions you’re likely to encounter when working outdoors. The most common types include:

Hi-Vis Jackets – These are usually made from a heavy-duty material that can withstand rain and wind. They come in a variety of styles, including short and long-sleeved jackets, waistcoats and waterproof jackets with hoods. Often worn by people working outdoors and in dark conditions, these jackets can be worn with other outfits or on their own.

Hi-Vis VestsThese are lightweight garments that provide protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays while making you more visible to other people. They’re often worn by construction and road workers.

Hi-Vis Shirts – These are usually made from a heavy-duty material that can withstand rain and wind. They come in a variety of styles, including short and long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats and waterproof shirts with hoods. Hi-vis shirts are often worn by people working in outdoor construction conditions. They can be worn as part of your uniform or as an additional safety measure when working outside or in areas with a high risk of injury from falling objects or vehicles.

Hi-Vis Pants – these are also made from a material that can withstand rain and wind. They come in a variety of styles, including shorts, long trousers, and waterproof trousers with zip-off legs for easy access.

Hi-vis trousers are worn by construction and waste management workers and can be donned with a uniform or as an additional safety measure when working in areas with a high risk of injury.

Also Read: Your Guide to Stylish but Comfortable Women’s Workwear

How to Choose Hi-Vis Clothing at Work?

When choosing hi-vis clothing at work, it’s important to consider the weather conditions you’ll encounter when working outdoors. For example:

  • If you’re likely to encounter rain, choose a hi-vis jacket with a waterproof outer layer.
  • If you’re likely to encounter wind, choose a heavy-duty hi-vis jacket that can withstand strong gusts.
  • If you’re likely to encounter snow or ice, choose a hi-vis jacket with an insulated lining.

Hi-Vis Clothing Safety Tips

When wearing hi-vis clothing at work, it’s important to follow these safety tips:

Always wear the correct size. If your hi-vis clothing is too big or too small, it won’t be as effective at making you visible to other road users & can also hinder your work.

Make sure your hi-vis clothing is in good condition. If your hi-vis clothing has holes or tears, it won’t be as effective.

Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes underneath your hi-vis clothing. Loose-fitting clothes can get tangled in machinery and cause accidents. They can also make you less visible to other road users if they catch the wind and blow around while you’re working outdoors.

Don’t wear loose jewellery. When wearing a high visibility vest or jacket with reflective strips on the sleeves and back of the garment, it is better to avoid accessories. Loose jewellery can get caught in machinery and cause accidents.

Read More:13 Surprising Benefits of Custom Work Uniforms to the Businesses

Final Takeaway

There you have it. Let this guide help you with the intricate topic of Hi-Vis clothing and when and how to wear them. Make sure you wear the appropriate item of clothing when working outdoors according to the nature of your work. Wearing Hi-Vis trousers when you are supposed to wear Hi-Vis jackets will just contradict their purpose and prove to be useless. Lastly, make sure to keep our safety tips in mind to ensure maximum security and visibility.

Read More: Your Guide To Australian PPE Standards & Requirements

Updated: 5/4/2021