HOW TO CHOOSE HIGH-VISIBILITY WORKWEAR THAT WORKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

When it comes to construction site safety, tossing on a cheap neon vest just doesn’t cut it anymore.

With 1 in 5 jobsite fatalities caused by struck-by injuries, your crew needs full head-to-toe high-visibility workwear that keeps them seen and safe—even in the worst conditions. And, as a safety manager or business owner, it’s your responsibility to make the right call on the gear your people wear.

Let’s break down the best practices for choosing hivis PPE that protects your crew, meets compliance standards, and supports the bottom line of your business.

KNOW THE RULES: OSHA & ANSI STANDARDS

In 2023, construction topped the fatality charts with over 1,000 deaths—more than any other U.S. industry. That’s why OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace free of known hazards, including visibility risks.

And there’s more: As of December 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor mandates that PPE must be properly fitted—especially for women and workers with non-standard body types. That includes your high-visibility PPE.

To stay compliant and avoid costly violations or liability issues, make sure your gear aligns with ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards:

• Type O: Off-road use (e.g., warehouses, logging)
• Type R: Roadway and traffic exposure (most construction sites)
• Type P: Public safety (police, EMS)

And don’t forget Class ratings:

• Class 1: Minimal coverage (not suitable for most construction)
• Class 2: Standard for road and site workers
• Class 3: Max visibility—required for night work or low-visibility conditions
• Class E: Supplemental (pants/overalls) that can be combined with Class 2 to meet Class 3

RefrigiWear offers insulated high-visibility workwear that meets or exceeds ANSI standards—engineered for cold, wet, and low-light conditions.

START WITH A HAZARD ASSESSMENT

No two job sites are the same. Whether you're running a road crew in a high-traffic area or pouring concrete in a dimly lit zone, the right hivis workwear depends on the real-world hazards your team faces.

Walk the site with a trained safety pro and look for:

• Class 1: Inadequate lighting
• Class 2: Blind spots and vehicle paths
• Class 3: Stacked materials and visual obstructions
• Class E: Weather risks (rain, snow, wind, extreme heat/cold)

The more specific your assessment, the better fit your PPE investment will be for your operations.

COMFORT, MOBILITY AND COMPLIANCE

Let’s be blunt—if the gear sucks, it doesn’t get worn.

When you issue high-visibility PPE that’s bulky, stiff, or ill-fitting, it ends up in the truck cab instead of on the job. That’s a compliance risk and a safety hazard.

Choose hivis workwear designed to move with the body:

• Class 1: Inadequate lighting
• Class 2: Blind spots and vehicle paths
• Class 3: Stacked materials and visual obstructions
• Class E: Weather risks (rain, snow, wind, extreme heat/cold)

GEAR UP FOR THE WEATHER

Your crew doesn’t stop for the weather—so neither should their gear.

• Hot Weather: Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking hivis PPE with UV protection.
• Cold Weather: Go with insulated hivis workwear that lets workers layer up or down as needed.
• Rain or Snow: Use waterproof hivis rain gear with bonded seams and reflective elements that stay visible in wet, low-light conditions.

RefrigiWear’s insulated, waterproof high-visibility gear keeps crews dry, warm, and working—no matter what Mother Nature throws at them.

COLOR MATTERS—AND SO DOES ROLE RECOGNITION

While lime is the go-to for many job sites, orange is often required on roadside crews due to local or DOT regulations.

Some companies also assign colors by role or experience level. For example, new hires or visitors might wear orange while full-time crew wears lime—making it easy to spot who might need a little more guidance.

Before placing a bulk order, double-check local safety color requirements.

THINK BEYOND THE PRICE TAG

• Abrasion-resistant fabrics
• Bonded reflective tape (won’t peel or crack in the wash)
• Reinforced seams at high-stress points
• Brands that back up their product with warranties or repair services

RefrigiWear’s high-visibility jackets and bibs are made for real job sites—not runways. That means fewer replacements, less downtime, and more value for your budget.

SHOP HIVIS WORKWEAR THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOUR CREW

Choosing the right high-visibility workwear isn’t just about ticking off a compliance checklist. It’s about protecting your people, running a safer job site, and getting the most value for your PPE investment.

Shop RefrigiWear for insulated, ANSI-compliant hivis PPE built to stand up to the toughest conditions—because your business can’t afford to cut corners on safety.