High-Visibility (Hi Vis) and Enhanced Visibility (Enhanced Vis) workwear may seem synonymous, but their differences become pertinent in high-risk work environments where visibility is crucial. With the winter months in Manitoba bringing shorter daylight hours, and challenging weather conditions such as fog, rain, and snow, maintaining clear visibility becomes more important than ever. In this blog, we will explore the significance of Hi Vis workwear and its role in ensuring safety in these demanding conditions.
Hi Vis workwear is essential for several reasons: it ensures optimal visibility, helps employees feel comfortable and safe on the job, and fulfils the employer’s responsibility to maintain a safe work environment.
Biologically, our ability to see in low light diminishes with age, requiring more illumination to see clearly compared to when we were younger. Additionally, we experience "change blindness," where we fail to notice movement outside our direct peripheral vision, which can delay recognizing potential hazards. Hi Vis workwear helps ensure a worker can be seen in their work environment, which relies on retro reflective strip design to be seen at night, and the background fabric which allows them to be seen in the daytime.
Hi Vis workwear also plays a crucial role in helping employees feel secure while performing their tasks. By providing the necessary safety clothing, you give employees the confidence that they are adequately protected in their work environment.
Finally, as an employer, you are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment. Conducting a thorough risk assessment allows you to identify potential hazards and determine the appropriate level of Hi Vis protection needed to ensure the safety of your staff.
It is worth noting that certain occupational groups, such as Trades, Transportation, and Equipment Operators, face a higher risk of workplace injuries. In Manitoba, this group accounted for the highest number of reported injuries for three consecutive years, with 8,030 injuries reported in 2023 alone. While not all of these incidents are directly tied to visibility issues, the nature of their work often places them in situations where being seen is critical to preventing accidents. Providing appropriate Hi Vis workwear can be a key factor in reducing risks and enhancing workplace safety.
Hi Vis workwear includes garments such as shirts, jackets, coveralls, vests, and pants, specifically designed to provide superior visibility compared to standard workwear. These garments are classified as personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring that wearers remain visible in high-risk environments, thereby reducing the potential for accidents and injuries.
Unlike enhanced visibility, Hi Vis garments emphasize on meeting strict safety standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), which ensures a minimum level of visibility is met that is suitable for varying levels of risk. Hi Vis garments began to gain widespread adoption in the 1960s with the introduction of fluorescent orange vests for railway workers. By the1970s, industries such as construction, road maintenance, and emergency services followed suit, driven by growing safety awareness and broader occupational health and safety initiatives.
The classification of Hi Vis garments is based on two factors: class and level. The class refers to the extent of the garment’s coverage on the wearer, while the level indicates the amount of light that reflects to ensure visibility. Higher-class garments are required in higher-risk environments where enhanced visibility is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers. The latest version of the CSA standard, CSA Z96:22, introduced in 2022, outlines these classifications in greater detail.
Hi Vis workwear can be washed and dried, but it is essential to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to maintain the garment’s visibility and overall performance. Proper care ensures that the fabric and reflective materials retain their effectiveness over time.
Issues can arise if Hi Vis workwear are not washed according to the recommended guidelines. Using the wrong water temperature, harsh chemicals, or excessive washing can damage the reflective properties, degrade the colour, and ultimately reduce the garment's ability to provide adequate visibility. Many silver tapes incorporate glass beads or microprismatic materials to reflect light effectively. However, exposure to high heat can melt or degrade these materials, compromising their reflectivity. To maximize the lifespan and functionality of Hi Vis workwear, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions.
The different classes and levels of Hi-Vis workwear are designed to address varying levels of risk in the workplace and ensure that workers are visible on the job. As mentioned earlier, the class determines the extent of visible coverage needed, while the level refers to the placement and amount of reflective striping that enhances visibility by reflecting light. The specific class and level required for your team should be based on a thorough risk assessment. When selecting separate hi vis top and bottom garments, it is essential to ensure that the combination meets the required class and level, providing maximum visibility and safety for the job.
To ensure the effectiveness of Hi Vis workwear, it is crucial to avoid obstructing the reflective areas of the garment. Obstructions can occur from items such as boots that cover reflective bands on the legs, backpacks or equipment belts that block the bands around the waist, or visibility straps on the torso and back.
If the garment becomes soiled, dirt or mud can diminish the reflective properties, making it harder to be seen. Similarly, logos or nametags must be placed in a way that does not obstruct the reflective bands, ascertain placements may affect compliance with safety standards. It is important to ensure that logos or tags are positioned in locations that maintain visibility.
Proper fit is another essential consideration, as Hi Vis garments often feature reflective strips at biomotion points—the areas of movement on the body. These points are crucial for visibility in low-light conditions. When altering garments for proper fit, it is important to ensure that the reflective strips are not compromised or cutoff during the modification process.
Finally, to confirm that your Hi Vis product meets industry standards, always check the garment tag to verify if it is CSA-approved. This ensures that the garment adheres to the appropriate safety regulations.
Meeting regulatory standards for Hi Vis workwear can seem complex. However, with a thorough risk assessment and a clear understanding of your team’s specific needs, implementing the proper standards becomes manageable—especially when partnering with a reputable uniform rental facility. A trusted provider ensures workwear is properly laundered, maintains its effectiveness, and offers the support of a knowledgeable team.
At our facility, we apply tailored washing methods for various types of workwear. This includes adjusting wash temperatures and selecting appropriate cleaning agents to preserve both cleanliness and the integrity of reflective materials.
Each garment undergoes an evaluation process to ensure continued reflective performance. When visibility begins to diminish, we conduct retroreflection tests to measure how well the garment reflects light and meets safety standards. Where possible, we repair garments without compromising their reflective properties, extending their lifecycle, and reducing waste.
Our team is knowledgeable in Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements, providing peace of mind that the garments we supply will adhere to the appropriate class and level standards based on your specific needs. We also ensure that any alterations, logos, or name tag are applied without obstructing reflective elements or affecting compliance.
Hi Vis workwear is essential for ensuring safety in low-visibility work environments. By providing your team with compliant and reliable garments, you not only meet safety requirements but also demonstrate your commitment to their well-being and confidence on the job. Partnering with a uniform rental facility helps ensure your Hi Vis workwear is maintained to the highest standards. From proper laundering to necessary repairs and compliance with safety regulations, this partnership simplifies the process and ensures your team is equipped with workwear that performs as it should. If you would like to learn more about selecting and maintaining Hi Vis workwear for your workplace, we are here to help.
3M Personal Safety Division. Head to Toe: Comprehensive Guide to Personal Protective Equipment. Retrieved from https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1194393O/head2toe-article-no-ad.pdf
SAFE Work Manitoba. Injury and Illness Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.safemanitoba.com/topics/Pages/Injury-and-illness-statistics.aspx
SAFE Work Manitoba. Personal Protective Equipment. Retrieved from https://www.safemanitoba.com/topics/Pages/Personal-Protective-Equipment.aspx
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. High-VisibilitySafety Apparel. Retrieved from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/high_visibility.html
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