When should high-visibility clothing be used?

One of the most common workplace accidents in sectors like logistics or construction is workers being hit by moving vehicles or machinery. In these environments, where the risk is constant, high-visibility clothing becomes an essential element for safety, helping workers to be easily detectable and thus reducing the likelihood of accidents.

According to law 31/1995, the use of high-visibility clothing is mandatory in certain risk situations. This regulation ensures that workers are clearly visible and easily identifiable, both day and night, providing a first line of defense against potential accidents.

In previous articles, we discussed the characteristics that this clothing should meet. This time, we will focus on when it should be used to maximize worker protection in the field.

When to wear high-visibility clothing?

The use of high-visibility clothing is essential in situations where the interaction between people and vehicles or heavy machinery is frequent and where visibility may be compromised. According to the guidelines of the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSST), it is mandatory to wear this clothing in:

• Loading and unloading tasks in warehouses and logistics centers, where the frequent movement of heavy vehicles and large loads can pose a high risk.
• Operations carried out on or near public roads, where constant vehicle traffic significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Active construction zones, particularly those where heavy machinery operates that may not notice the presence of a worker without proper clothing.
• Activities related to signaling and traffic control, where visibility is crucial for the safety of the personnel in charge.
• Environments such as ports and airports, where the constant movement of equipment and large vehicles requires high visibility at all times.
• Night work conditions or low-light environments, where the lack of natural light makes it essential to wear clothing with high visibility properties.

How to choose the right high-visibility clothing?

The proper selection of high-visibility clothing is governed by the EN ISO 20471 standard, which defines the requirements to ensure worker safety and improve visibility under different light and risk conditions. This standard categorizes garments into classes 1, 2, or 3, based on the surface area of visible materials and the level of visibility required, ensuring that the worker is clearly noticeable from any angle.

• Class 1: Suitable for low-risk environments where vehicles do not exceed 40 km/h. This level is sufficient for workers such as:
  • Parking assistants.
  • Staff handling carts in commercial parking areas.
  • Employees exposed to light traffic in warehouses.
  • Maintenance workers on sidewalks and pedestrian zones.
• Class 2: Necessary for conditions requiring greater visibility due to bad weather or work environments with medium risks, where vehicles travel at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Examples include:
  • Personnel in forestry and maritime loading operations.
  • Railway workers and school crossing guards.
  • Delivery drivers and employees in high-volume parking areas.
  • Airport personnel, both on the runways and in baggage handling.
  • Garbage collectors and recycling personnel.
• Class 3: Provides maximum protection with 360° visibility and is essential for high-risk situations, such as work on highways or extremely adverse conditions where vehicles exceed 80 km/h. Ideal for:
  • Construction and road maintenance personnel.
  • Workers in emergency and security services.

The best reflective clothing for work

When choosing high-visibility clothing for workers, it is important to know the risk level to select the right option. This ensures the worker's individual protection and allows them to perform their tasks safely.

Below, we show different garments that meet all the characteristics and regulations that high-visibility work clothing should fulfill.

Experts in high-visibility workwear

At Reysan, we are experts in high-visibility and workwear for all sectors, especially industrial. We are committed to the safety and well-being of workers in any work environment.

Our extensive catalog includes high-visibility clothing, fire-resistant clothing, cold protection clothing, coveralls, safety footwear, protective gloves, and personal protective equipment. We work with the most advanced materials and technologies to offer our clients the highest quality products.

Moreover, at Reysan, we have a team of experts in occupational safety and risk prevention who are available to advise you at any time on the most suitable clothing and PPE for your job and company. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance during your online purchase.