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.
Hi-vis clothing comes in a variety of colours including black and navy which use more reflective materials. However, the most common colours are yellow and orange as they provide the highest visibility.
Yellow v orange hi-vis
The conditions and the job will affect which of these two colours are more appropriate.
If you are carrying out work outdoors where the environment tends to be greener in colour, fluorescent orange is likely to be more visible as it won’t blend into the background. This is why workers on the railway tend to wear orange hi-vis.
Yellow hi-vis workwear tends to be more commonly used indoors where it can be better seen in low-level light.
When it comes to keeping employees safe hi-vis is a vital part of your armour. Don’t forget to regularly check your stock and make sure that you have adequate supplies in a variety of sizes and styles to suit each employee.
Poor fitting clothing and damaged items can be just as dangerous as not wearing any hi-vis at all.
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.