Hi-Vis protective clothes help workers to become visible to other people when working at a site. Whether there is low light or darkness, the apparel can give them enough exposure. It can be a vest, jacket, pants, or a full set. As per the CSA standards, it is necessary to assess workplace or worksite risks that workers can face while performing their duties. At the time of assessment, multiple factors need proper attention. For example, it can be the indoor and outdoor condition a worker will be in, exposure to fluctuating temperatures and heat/ flames, and so on.

If the employee has to perform duties in inclement weather, buying a weather-proof garment for safety is crucial. At the same time, if he is doing something, where he should be identifiable by others from a distance, he needs to wear something bright and reflective. It will not be wrong to say that such assessments can lead an employer to find the appropriate workwear solutions for their employees. 

Choosing high-visibility garments

A lot of factors can influence the choice. From size, fit, colour, and design, you need to consider different aspects in detail. For instance, choosing a large-size bright cloth can be better than a small one. And if it covers the body from all directions, it can be even better. When you think of colours, your focus can be on the stripes featuring on arms, waist, and legs. These can be excellent visual clues for others. As far as the base colour goes, fluorescent or brightly coloured material can be most effective. The industry experts tell employers to choose workwear with contrasting colours and stripes for more visibility. 

Other than these, features like comfort, water resistance, flame resistance, breathability, and flexibility also highly matter. The clothes have to fit the employee so that he can perform his duties safely without any interruption. The apparel should sit on his body entirely and stay there without creating any disturbance for him. When you talk about fitting, you also have to make sure it is comfortable to wear. Roughness, sharp edges and dangling items can lead to irritation and injuries. It is ideal to avoid these things and go with something lightweight.  

Then, the brightness of the garments is also critical. If you are already aware, bright colours are more suitable for daylight, and fluorescent tones work better in low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. The material has to be reflective, too, for higher safety. You can check the Blaklader brand for a quick understanding.

The CSA Standard about the use of stripes and bands are also apparent. The garment should include a horizontal line or band at the waist covering the full body. There have to be two stripes running vertically from shoulders to trunk in the front and symmetric “X” design on the backside of the cloth. It should also cover shoulder to waist areas. Class 3 apparel intended for use by workers who tend to work on or near the roadside should contain bands or stripes on arms and legs in a full circle. 

Among these things, don’t forget to check the colour of the background material, which has to be either fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent red, fluorescent red-orange. If it uses bright tones, the choices can be between orange-red and yellow-green.

An important point to consider

Some companies can use retroreflective material in garments. It is well-known for sending back the light from where it comes. If the wearer exposes himself to a light beam, drivers can quickly notice him. This material is more functional in low light conditions. However, you cannot expect it to reflect light by itself. Due to this, you cannot depend on it in sunny or daytime. You can instead choose reflective materials that can quickly reflect light from its surface to provide better visibility. In the CSA standard, you may not come across the word “reflective.” However, if you go by the definition of a material where it speaks of throwing back, you can interpret it as that.

Many online like and offline stores like Purpose Built’s Oakley location offer high-visibility workwear. It will not be difficult for you to get the right deal. However, when you shop for it, your primary focus has to be on your workers’ safety. For this, investing in a high-quality product is critical. If you buy proper apparel for your team, you will ensure safety and a good name for your business. It will show how much you worry about them. Consequently, you will experience improved productivity and output. Since the chances of accidents and risks are fewer, the work at your construction site can continue without interruption.

If you cannot visit a physical store for this, it doesn’t matter. You can check online stores for extensive collection and reasonable pricing. It can be convenient also.