Jobsite Visibility

OSHA Requirements for High-Visibility Clothing:

ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard:

• • OSHA refers to the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard, which classifies high-visibility apparel based on performance and intended use.

  • This standard defines the levels of retroreflectivity and background material required for different work environments.

Class 2 and Class 3 Garments:

• • OSHA generally requires Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility garments for workers exposed to traffic hazards.

  • Class 2: Provides intermediate visibility and is suitable for workers with tasks that deviate their attention from traffic.

  • Class 3: Provides the highest level of visibility and is required for workers in high-risk environments or low-light conditions.

Employer Responsibilities:

• • Employers are responsible for providing appropriate high-visibility clothing to their employees.

  • Employers must ensure that the clothing is properly maintained and replaced when damaged or worn.

  • Employers must provide training on the proper use of high visibility garments.

Risks Prevented by High-Visibility Clothing:

Struck-by Accidents:

• • Reduces the risk of workers being struck by moving vehicles, equipment, or machinery.

  • Essential in areas with heavy traffic or limited visibility.

Collisions:

• • Helps prevent collisions between workers and equipment or vehicles.

  • Especially important in congested work areas.

Reduced Visibility Conditions:

• • Enhances visibility in low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or nighttime.

  • Also critical in foggy, rainy, or dusty environments.

Backing Accidents:

• • Increases the visibility of workers to equipment operators when backing up.

Confined Space Entry and Exit:

• • Increases the visibility of workers when entering, and exiting confined spaces.

Projects Requiring High-Visibility Clothing:

Road Construction and Maintenance:

• • Workers exposed to traffic must wear high-visibility garments.

Construction Sites:

• • Any construction site with moving equipment or vehicles.

  • Any site with limited visibility.

Restoration Projects:

• • Water damage restoration involving employees moving around cranes, and heavy equipment.

  • Large demolition projects with potential for falling debris.

Emergency Response:

• • Water removal crews working after business hours, or on large commercial properties.

Warehousing and Logistics:

• • Workers operating forklifts or other material handling equipment.

Landscaping and Forestry:

• • Workers operating heavy equipment or working near roadways.

Any work being done at night, or in low light conditions:

• This would include loading or unloading trucks near roadways.

• An employee seeking to get attention to passing drivers, to allow trucks to back out into traffic.

Key Considerations:

Proper Fit:

• • High-visibility clothing should fit comfortably and allow for freedom of movement.

Maintenance:

• • Keep clothing clean and free from dirt or debris that can reduce reflectivity.

  • Replace worn or damaged garments.

Layering:

• • In cold weather, ensure that high-visibility clothing is worn as the outermost layer.

Environmental factors:

• • Understand that dirt, and wear, will reduce the effectiveness of the high visibility material.