Make your high-visibility apparel work for you

When it comes to selecting or designing high-visibility apparel for workers, safety managers have a lot to think about. Is the garment comfortable? Is it durable? Does it portray the right image for my company or organization? And most of all, does it keep my workers visible? It’s important to keep all of these factors in mind when choosing the right high-visibility garment, including safety vests, shirts and uniforms.

Advances in technology and design 
make high-visibility a comfortable decision
According to results from the 2002 Road Construction Market Investigation for ISEA, one of the most often cited reasons for not using Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) more regularly is "lack of style/comfort."  But, new advancements in technology and design are making it easier than ever to comply with industry guidelines without sacrificing comfort and style. So lack of comfort should never be an excuse for not wearing high-visibility apparel.

High-visibility apparel that’s comfortable comes down to fit, weight, breathability and moisture transmission. When choosing or designing high-visibility apparel that is comfortable, safety managers need to consider all of these factors when examining both the background fabric as well as the reflective material featured on the garment.

When selecting a background fabric for your safety vest, t-shirt or uniform, consider choosing fabrics and materials that are non-restricting, lightweight and do not cause chaffing. In addition, manufacturers today offer a variety of background fabrics that provide increased breathability and moisture vapor transfer capabilities. Fabrics that allow air to flow through the garment and wick moisture away from the skin will keep the wearer more comfortable, especially during warm weather conditions.

If workers are required to wear both a high-visibility shirt and vest, attention to the fabric and reflective material becomes even more important. Layering is important when putting together work wear, so make sure to understand the purpose of each layer and select pieces that, when combined, achieve the desired effect and are the most comfortable.

New technology and designs in reflective material are being introduced in the industry to help keep the entire garment more flexible, lightweight and breathable, which makes workers more comfortable and productive. Many of the same attributes that can be found in background materials, such as a mesh weave or a cotton knit, can also be found in the available reflective material. For example, using reflective material in conjunction with background fabrics that incorporate unique patterns allows heat to escape and cooler air to flow in toward the body, while maximizing movement in all areas of the garment.

Is your high-vis apparel as tough as you are?
Durability is another important factor to consider when selecting the background fabric, as well as the required reflective material. Finding a reflective product that has proven wash durability results will make your investment in high-visibility apparel more cost-effective. It’s also important to make sure the high-visibility apparel is designed with the job in mind. If the apparel is going to face harsh weather conditions or extreme temperatures, it is important to find a garment that is designed to withstand these conditions. Likewise, if the apparel is to be worn around heavy equipment where clothing can be caught, the garments should fit appropriately and feature break-away sleeves.

Style – a matter of image
After choosing fabrics and reflective materials that are comfortable and durable, can style even be a consideration? You bet it can. Today’s trend in workwear is customization – and reflective material can play a major part in that. Some of the latest reflective products to come on the scene can be customized to incorporate company names, logos and graphics. This means organizations that require high-visibility apparel for their workers can use the reflective enhancements to promote their image and increase awareness in a unique and "highly-visible" way. For the wearer, it means putting on a vest or t-shirt that carries an important message and looks great at the same time, helping to instill pride in their employer and their work. To the organization, it’s an opportunity to make people aware that the group is doing important work in their community – work that is improving that community and its way of life.

Style and comfort 
without sacrificing functionality
While style and comfort may be important for the workers, safety is usually the number one concern for management. In 1999, the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) approved the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107-1999). ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 is a voluntary standard that offers performance specifications for reflective materials, including minimum amounts, placement, background material, test methods and care labeling. The great news is – the new advancements in background fabrics and reflective products that enhance comfort of high-visibility apparel not only meet ANSI standards, but exceed them. Manufacturers are meeting the challenge to develop high-visibility apparel that is comfortable, durable and stylish, without compromising industry safety standards.

This article was supplied by the ISEA, of which Bob Koppes, president of Safe Reflections, and  Gary Pearson, market development supervisor at 3M, are members. 

Published in the January/February, 2003 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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