High visibility clothing is used to make people more visible in busy environments where they might be exposed to traffic and other hazards. It is often worn by workers who have a high risk of being struck by vehicles, such as road construction employees or crossing guards, but it can be helpful for anyone working in low light conditions, including firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians. It is also commonly worn by outdoor enthusiasts such as cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as hunters and even recreational shooters who may be exposed to traffic.

There are a wide variety of high visibility workwear options on the market, with vests and uniforms available in fluorescent bright colors as well as reflective materials for use at night or in poor lighting conditions. While all high visibility clothing needs to meet ANSI standards, the exact requirements for which type of apparel is best will depend on a worker’s specific environment and job site. For example, class 2 high visibility clothing is typically required for those who work in the right of way on a highway, while class 3 garments are typically appropriate for those who must be clearly seen at night or in inclement weather.

Other factors that can influence which high vis apparel is required for a given situation include the amount of time spent in the area of exposure to traffic, the speed and volume of vehicles and whether or not barriers are present to separate workers from vehicle traffic. The background of a location and any distractions that may pull a worker’s attention away from a hazard should also be taken into consideration.

For example, an incident command vest is an ideal option for those who must be easily identifiable by other members of a response team during an emergency. These garments come in a variety of colors, which can be used to color code teams and identify different types of responders at a busy scene.

The most important thing to remember when choosing which high visibility clothing to purchase is that it must be approved by the governing body of a given workplace. Many states and federal agencies set guidelines regarding the use of this type of apparel, with some requiring workers to wear certain styles of high visibility clothing in order to be compliant.

High visibility clothing can greatly reduce the number of accidents that occur when workers are not able to be seen by vehicle or other traffic. By following the ANSI guidelines and selecting appropriate safety apparel, employers can help ensure that their workers are safe from injuries and fatalities.