High visibility clothing was first used in the UK in the mid 60s, where it was used by railway workers as a way of improving safety by making them easier to spot by passing trains. Since then, it’s grown in popularity and is now used in multiple industries as well as by pedestrians and cyclists.
Hi vis jackets are particularly popular since they’re affordable, lightweight and a very effective way to increase visibility in hazardous environments. In this guide, we’ll look at the different benefits that hi vis jackets provide as well as the different industries where they’re used and commonly asked questions.
Benefits of hi vis jackets
Increased visibility
The most obvious benefit that hi vis clothing provides is increased visibility. There are many situations where high visibility is incredibly important. For example, if you’re directing traffic, either as a construction worker or emergency worker, it’s vital that oncoming cars can see you clearly. Jackets tend to be made from fluorescent yellow or orange and have reflective strips, making them very easy to spot both during the day and at night.
People who work in the emergency services, on railways and in warehouses also need to wear high visibility clothing for safety.
Enhanced security
It’s easy to assume the sole benefit of hi vis jackets is increased visibility, but they’re also good for improving security on a job site. In an access-controlled environment, hi vis jackets are a good way to identify authorised personnel and therefore prevent any unauthorised access to areas that are off limits. At events, such as concerts or festivals, hi vis clothing is a good way to differentiate security staff from the public too.
Good for personal safety
Since the start of the covid pandemic in 2020, a lot more people have become familiar with the term PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) but this doesn’t just apply to masks. If you work in an environment where you feel increased visibility is important, then a hi vis jacket can improve your personal safety a great deal.
Can be used as a means of promotion
A lot of companies with have their hi vis jackets branded with their company logo. This not only makes it easy to identify workers from the same company but can also be a good means of increasing awareness. Some companies will even give away their branded jackets as a form of promotion.
Protection from the elements
When working outdoors in the UK, it’s going to be cold and wet a lot of the time, especially during winter. Because of the fabric that hi vis jackets are made from, they don’t absorb rain and therefore you don’t need to worry about getting drenched when it’s raining.
Identify co-workers
Hi vis jackets can help you easily identify co-workers. This is particularly useful at larger events where there might be staff from multiple companies.
Work environments where hi vis jackets are necessary
Construction
Construction sites are notoriously hazardous environments. There’s plenty of potentially dangerous equipment, falling debris and scaffolding that could easily cause injury or even death. Therefore, workers need to be as visible as possible to their co-workers to adhere to safety regulations and provide a safe working environment.
Railway
It should go without saying that working on active train tracks is potentially very dangerous, so railway workers also need to be as visible as possible in order to be easily spotted by passing trains.
Emergency services
People who work in the emergency services, whether it’s firemen, police or paramedics, are very often in situations where good visibility is vital. This is why all these groups wear hi vis when they’re working with the public each day.
Warehouses
Warehouses usually have very tall aisles that often have heavy goods stored on them. They also tend to have forklift trucks, making them a potentially hazardous environment for workers. This being the case, it’s usually a good idea for warehouse staff to wear hi vis jackets to make the work environment safer.
Hi vis jackets FAQs
Can the public also benefit from wearing hi vis jackets?
Yes. Although hi vis clothing is often associated with particular jobs, such as construction, there are multiple uses for hi vis jackets in everyday life. For example, if you’re a cyclist or motorcyclist, then it can be tough for cars to spot you, especially at night. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to take any steps you can to make yourself more visible.
You don’t have to be on a bike to benefit from hi vis clothing though. Even if you’re just a pedestrian – it’s still a good idea to wear some form of visibility clothing or accessory, particularly during the winter when it gets darker much earlier. Joggers will often wear a form of hi vis clothing to make themselves more visible, for example.
Are hi vis jackets affordable?
Yes, considering how long-lasting and durable they are – hi vis jackets are an excellent and affordable solution for professional and personal use alike.
Are hi vis jackets necessary?
In any environment where it could be dangerous if you’re not clearly seen, then you should certainly wear hi vis. In fact, if you’re an employer in a hazardous environment, then it’s just your legal responsibility to ensure that your staff are safe by providing them with hi vis clothing.
What colours do hi vis jackets come in?
Hi vis jackets tend to come in either yellow or orange. This is because these are both highly visible colours that reflect light and are therefore the safest option.
Are hi vis jackets the only type of hi vis clothing?
No. You can also get hi vis shorts, overalls, vests and accessories to improve visibility further or to suit different types of weather. Jackets tend to be the most popular type of hi vis clothing since they’re so versatile and can be used in both summer and winter while still providing excellent visibility.
Find out more about hi vis jackets
If you’d like to find out about the hi vis jackets we sell, then get in touch and we can provide you with more information.