Keeping employees safe and seen in the winter months

By LG Davis
schedule15th Oct 24

Did you know that high visibility clothing, or hi-vis as it is more commonly known, typically lasts around six months, and it is an employer’s responsibility to keep the clothing clean and in good working order?

As the weather starts to get colder, and the days become darker, businesses need to ensure they keep employees seen and safe while working. From what colour hi-vis to choose, to what your responsibilities are and the UK regulations around hi-vis in the workplace, we break down everything you need to know.
 
Used throughout the year, winter workwear in particular has a dual-purpose keeping workers warm in the freezing temperatures and also making sure they are seen during adverse weather such as whiteout conditions, when it snows, or low light where visibility can be incredibly poor.

What are the UK regulations around hi-vis in the workplace?

According to the Health and Safety Executive employers must make sure that employees have high visibility clothing to provide adequate protection from workplace risks.

As part of the regulations, employers must:

  1. provide any HV clothing needed for the job free of charge to any employees who may be exposed to significant risks to their safety;

  2. maintain HV clothing in a clean state and in good working order. It should be checked before being given to employees;

  3. provide storage facilities for clothing when not in use;

  4. provide adequate information, instruction and training to enable employees to use HV clothing correctly. This should include an explanation of the risks, why the clothing is needed, how and when it should be worn; and

  5. supervise employees to ensure that they wear the clothing correctly and whenever it is needed.

Depending on the level of risk different degrees of clothing are required from a light weight hi-vis vest to a long sleeve jacket or full fluorescent suit and hat.

If you need help choosing the right style of workwear or which hi-vis colour is best for your environment our expert team are happy to help.

Get in touch to find out more about our latest offers, personalisation options and varied styles. We also don’t have a minimum order requirement so order as many or as little items as you want.
 
 
 

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