How To Keep Roadside Workers Safe With High Visibility Workwear

Distracted Driving Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the importance of keeping roadside workers safe and protected in constructions zones. According to the most recent data, there are an estimated 102,000 annual work zone crashes, resulting in 44,000 work zone injuries and 857 work zone fatalities, due to distracted drivers.

The use of High-Vis workwear rated by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories, is proven to help keep wearers visible in potentially dangerous conditions, such as in close proximity to roadways, in dark conditions, and in areas where workers might be blocked by trees, traffic barriers, or construction equipment.

Partner with a uniform provider with expertise in Hi-Viz workwear

Businesses should work with a uniform provider who understands the critical needs of workers who work on or near roadways and is an expert in Hi-Visibility uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). UniFirst’s has a deep understanding of the industries where ANSI-rated High Visibility protective gear is required. We can partner with you to help keep your workers protected and your businesses compliant with OSHA and the Federal Worker Visibility Act.

Choose the right level of protection

It's important that businesses choose garments with the right level of protection based on their expected use settings and work activities being performed. UniFirst offers a wide selection of ANSI-rated Class 1, 2, and 3 High-Viz work garments, including UniFirst-branded Spotlite LX, all of which deliver uninterrupted reflectivity to roadside workers.

Ensure proper care and maintenance of hi-visibility garments

Two important features of high visibility apparel are its fluorescent background and retro-reflective material. Improper care can also diminish an item’s brilliance, reducing its safety. Through UniFirst’s fully managed uniform rental service programs, which includes industrial laundering, garment maintenance, repairs, and replacements, you can be assured that your ANSI-compliant High Visibility garments will continue to perform at their best and maintain their protective qualities

Benefits of choosing a managed uniform rental program

Hundreds of businesses have trusted UniFirst to help enhance the safety of their roadside workers, including Midnight Towing & Recovery LLC in Virginia. Angela, an office manager, was looking to replace her retail High Visibility garments because of rapid wear and tear, reduced visibility, and increasing costs to maintain their own uniforms.

“The UniFirst rental program was obviously more cost-effective,” Angela said. “But more so, it also helped ease my mind. Now I can trust that our employees are constantly outfitted in the optimal High Visibility gear.”

High-Vis Garment Checklist

Need help selecting the right Hi-Viz work garments for your team? No matter the job or the project, UniFirst can help you get started on a program that’s right for you with a full range of High Visibility garment options including:

1. High Visibility Outerwear

Road work leaves workers vulnerable to traffic…and exposed to the elements. Our selection of High-Vis outerwear helps workers stay visible, safe, comfortable, and productive. Our collection includes:

• High Viz soft-shell jackets
• High Vis rain jackets
• Hi Visibility bomber jackets
• Hi Vis vests, including sleeveless vests
• Hi Viz hooded sweatshirts

2. High Visibility shirts and pants

UniFirst’s offerings of High Visibility shirts and pants help ensure the right level of visibility, protection, uniformity, and comfort:

• High Viz rain pants
• High Vis T-shirts
• High Visibility ripstop shirts (short sleeve and long sleeve)
• Hi Visibility work shirts (short sleeve and long sleeve)

3. Personal Protective Equipment

We also have a selection of PPE your crew needs for on-the-job visibility:

• Class E High Visibility Hard hats
• Classic caps
• Knit caps
• Facemasks
• Safety gloves, including oil and gas knit gloves

Take the next step in helping to ensure your employees are visible and well protected from the dangers of roadside work with a customized uniform program from UniFirst.  Get started today.