Shining A Light on Hi-Vis Apparel Classes

Every year, many workers on jobsites in General Industry and Construction are killed or seriously injured because they aren’t visible to equipment operators or drivers on the road in construction zones. Whether your employees work in a warehouse or in a work-zone during construction operations, safety vests must meet specific requirements per OSHA.

The industry uses a consensus standard from ANSI to certify that PPE has an adequate fluorescent color and reflective properties, depending on the type of work employees are involved in.

In general, the industry recognizes three types of high-visibility apparel:

• Class 1
• Class 2
• Class 3

There is a fourth class called “Class E” safety apparel. Employers can combine Class 2 apparel (tops) with Class E apparel (bottoms) to create a Class 3 ensemble. It’s a cool trick you can use to meet the ANSI requirements!

No matter the type of apparel, however, you need to work with employees to ensure that their high-vis apparel is in good repair and protects against the right hazards before each use. After all, the goal is always to ensure employees return home at the end of the day!