When working in hazardous environments or areas with limited visibility, such as construction sites, roadwork, or the logistics sector, wearing high visibility clothing (hi-vis clothing) is essential. This gear not only protects your safety but also ensures that others can clearly see you, helping to prevent accidents. In this blog, we’ll cover why high visibility clothing is important, the best options available, and how to choose the right gear to stay safe and comfortable on the job.
Why is High Visibility Clothing Important?
High visibility clothing, commonly known as "hi-vis clothing," is designed to protect workers by increasing their visibility in dark or low-light conditions. Think of situations where you work near heavy machinery, on construction sites, or next to roadways with moving traffic. The reflective stripes and bright colors, such as orange and yellow, ensure that workers stand out, even from a distance or in bad weather.
Legal Requirements for High Visibility Clothing
In many industries, wearing high visibility clothing is mandatory under European law (EN ISO 20471 standards). These regulations ensure that hi-vis clothing consists of fluorescent materials combined with reflective elements to guarantee visibility in both daylight and darkness. Employers are responsible for providing certified high visibility clothing to protect their workers.
The Best Options for High Visibility Clothing
There are various types of high visibility clothing available, each suited for different environments and weather conditions. Below are some of the best choices:
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Reflective Safety Vests
Lightweight and easy to wear over other layers of clothing, safety vests are perfect for construction, logistics, and traffic management work. They provide an additional layer of visibility without restricting your movement. -
Hi-Vis Jackets
In colder or wet conditions, reflective jackets are a must. They protect you from the elements while ensuring you remain visible to your surroundings. Look for waterproof, breathable, and durable fabrics that can withstand tough working conditions. -
High Visibility Work Trousers
Hi-vis work trousers combine comfort with safety. They usually feature reflective stripes around the knees and lower legs, significantly improving visibility in low-light environments. These trousers are ideal for construction or logistics workers who need to move frequently. -
Hi-Vis Coveralls
For maximum protection, coveralls offer full-body coverage and visibility. These are perfect for work environments where poor lighting and harsh weather are factors, such as construction sites or road maintenance. -
Reflective Accessories
Don’t forget the smaller, but crucial, accessories like high visibility gloves and helmets. These extras enhance your overall safety by maximizing visibility in any situation.
What to Look for When Buying High Visibility Clothing
When choosing the right high visibility clothing, it’s important to consider:
- Certification: Ensure that the clothing meets EN ISO 20471 standards for proper protection.
- Comfort: Opt for breathable, waterproof, and durable fabrics to ensure long-term comfort during work shifts.
- Fit: High visibility clothing should fit well and allow for free movement without restriction.
- Maintenance: Reflective clothing needs to be regularly cleaned to maintain its visibility and effectiveness.
Explore High Visibility Clothing at Your Safety Shop
At Your Safety Shop, we offer a wide selection of high visibility clothing to ensure you stay visible and safe on the job. Check out our high visibility clothing category for a full range of safety vests, jackets, work trousers, coveralls, and more.
Our products meet the highest safety standards, and you’ll enjoy free shipping on orders over €85 in the Netherlands and €150 in the EU. Visit our shop today to find the best options for your workplace safety.
