Situations That Require Hi-Vis Clothing
Wearing appropriate high-visibility clothing in many sectors is a legal requirement under The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, enforced to ensure worker safety.
The following are situations where hi-vis clothing is required:
Working near moving vehicles or machinery
Hi-vis clothing should always be worn when working near any moving vehicles or machinery, including on construction sites, near railway lines or at airports. This is so that any drivers or equipment operators can see workers easily and have time to react, avoiding collisions and other serious accidents.
Low light and poor weather conditions
Workers should also wear hi-vis if they are working in low light conditions or poor weather, like fog, rain or snow. Hi-vis clothing can reflect light from vehicle headlights, helping workers stand out in these conditions and reducing the risk of accidents.
Specific industries
Industries like the utilities (water, gas, electricity), emergency services, event security and refuse collectors all commonly wear hi-vis clothing. The fluorescent material and reflective tapes on hi-vis gear help to increase visibility and keep workers safe in high-risk situations.
Large, open spaces
Hi-vis clothing should also be worn to help workers stand out in large, open spaces and other areas with limited visual barriers like large car parks or industrial complexes.
Other Considerations
Many industries have specific regulations and standards for hi-vis clothing. For example, some jobs may require Class 3 hi-vis, the highest level of protection, while others may only need Class 1 or 2. Employers should assess the risks in their work environment to determine the appropriate level of hi-vis clothing required.
