Hi-vis clothing for construction workers
Many construction employers think they are providing their project teams with the best high-visibility (hi-vis) work wear, when in fact they are putting their lives at risk this winter, says leading safety equipment specialists OnSite Support.
“At this time of year when construction teams are working outside in low light and poor visibility conditions, they need to be wearing reflective clothing that reflects from all angles,” says safety clothing specialist Chris Wellgreen from OnSite Support. “Clothing that’s visible during the day but almost invisible in low light because it’s dirty or not marked with the proper reflective striping, is a safety hazard which puts workers’ lives at risk.”
To be appropriate for the job and working conditions, reflective workwear must fit properly and meet ISO EN 20471:2013 for high-visibility warning clothing - a European standard, recognised by a ‘CE’ mark. The standard gives safety specifications for coveralls, jackets, waistcoats, tabards, trousers and harnesses.
“There are three classes of hi-vis garments based on their levels of visibility,” explains Chris. “BS EN471 Class 3 is the highest grade and most visible clothing. It includes reflective jackets, coats and trousers, which are essential protective workwear for high-risk construction workers such as marshallers, transport and maintenance teams, particularly if they are working at night.”
All UK employers are required to provide their employees with clean, undamaged hi-vis clothing if they are working in reduced visibility conditions, and ensure that staff know how to wear it correctly and when it is required. Employers are also responsible for maintaining, storing and regularly checking and replacing damaged garments.
“Hi-vis clothing should be comfortable, non-restrictive and provide good visibility during the day, at night, and in poor weather conditions. The best colours for conspicuity are orange or fluorescent yellow and all clothing should have certified reflective strips,” explains Chris. “Just as importantly, these garments should be compatible with other protective workwear and safely secured so that they don’t catch or interfere with the operation of other equipment.”
According to the Health and Safety Executive, around seven workers die and 93 are seriously injured annually by vehicles or mobile plant on construction sites. “Many of these accidents are due to workers not being seen on site and could have been avoided if they had been wearing the right reflective clothing,” says Chris.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Banksman.
- CDM.
- CE Mark.
- Demolition.
- Design risk management.
- Dynamic self-retracting lanyard.
- Ergonomics in construction.
- First aider.
- Getting personal about protective equipment.
- Health and safety file.
- Health and safety.
- Method statement.
- Near miss.
- Permit to work.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Purchasing personal protective equipment.
- Risk assessment.
- Safety briefing.
- Safety helmet colours.
- Social distancing compliance marshal.
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
- Toolbox talk.
Featured articles and news
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
Comments
Good Job, excellent article, I loved it the way that you explained about Hi Vis Clothing safety purpose