Safety jackets, also known as hi-vis jackets, are useful personal protective equipment. Even in low-light working environments, hi-vis safety jackets ensure safety of the workforce. These jackets are specially designed for workers, especially on construction sites, mining or any other industrial settings. However, the main purpose of a safety jacket is to make the wearer clearly visible. So visibility factor is vital when selecting safety jackets.
In low-light or foggy weather conditions, a good quality safety jacket enhances the visibility and also keeps the workers safe from any workplace hazards. So always invest in quality hi-vis safety jackets that are both comfortable and durable, durable enough to resist rain, wind or any other sharp or tough material. Therefore, the factors of “Visibility and Durability in Safety Jackets” hold equal importance.
Safety jackets serve a variety of purposes and come in different colors. Mainly, safety jackets with fluorescent colors like orange, green & blue are useful as safety equipment. Because bright colors can easily be spotted in the dark. However, one thing is for sure, using hi-vis safety jackets successfully prevents workplace accidents. According to the International Labour Organization, there are approximately 2.78 million work-related deaths globally each year, with an estimated 374 million non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses. So, such a high number of injuries & accidents at the workplace, makes the use of quality safety jackets non-negotiable.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the importance of “Visibility and Durability in Safety Jackets,” and why these features matter more than you might think.
Visibility: Staying Safe and Seen
Construction sites or any other industrial sites are risky and challenging for any type of worker. Workers operate around some heavy tools and machinery. Additionally, workers have to deal with other challenges, such as low-light, bad weather or exposure to UV rays or other hazardous materials at the workplace. At a particular time, any construction or industrial site, houses a large number of workers performing different types of work. So the real challenge is to locate workers from a far distance or in low-light conditions.
How can workers be spotted or identified? The answer is simple. Provide them with good quality hi-vis safety jackets that protects them from any workplace hazards and enhances their visibility, so they can be easily spotted, identified & protected. A worker wearing Hi-vis safety jackets may be clearly visible to supervisors, machine operators or fellow workers. This may facilitate better communication and coordination, and prevent collisions or any type of accident. Workers who are stuck may be easily spotted & rescued, thanks to the hi-vis safety jackets that make them clearly visible.
Visibility depends on the color choice. Safety jackets in light colors can pose a risk to workplace safety. Only those in fluorescent shades like orange, yellow, and green prove to be effective. In many workplace settings, hi-vis safety jackets are a legal requirement.
Durability: Standing Up to Challenges
Safety jackets must also be durable to protect workers from extreme weather, wind, heat, UV rays, chemicals, sharp objects, dust, debris and other potential hazards. That’s why durability matters most.
A worker must be able to perform his job effectively in any kind of environment. This is only possible, when he is provided with a safety jacket that is both comfortable and durable. With a durable safety jacket, a worker may be able to shield himself from rain, snow, wind, heat and other hazards. Particularly during the rainy season, a durable jacket will keep workers comfortable and dry, ensuring safety and comfort.
For example, a construction worker operates under a challenging work environment. He needs protection from sunlight, dust, debris or any other harmful construction material like bricks or cement. A construction worker also needs to be dry during snow or rain. So only durable safety jackets can be useful for workers operating on a construction site.
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), For daytime work, the flagger’s vest, shirt, or jacket shall be orange, yellow, strong yellow green or fluorescent versions of these colors. For nighttime work, similar outside garments shall be retro reflective. The retro reflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, strong yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of one of these colors and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet.”
Durable safety jackets will keep you safe in any work environment. Durability ensures longevity, thus saving money for the employers.
Role of Visibility & Durability in Accident Prevention
Safety jackets play a crucial role in accident prevention. They are useful across various industries particularly construction, mining, factories, emergency services, warehouses, traffic etc. Construction workers benefit the most. Followed by mining & traffic professionals. The benefits of good quality safety jackets are plenty. Visibility ensures workers are easily spotted thus preventing collisions and accidents.
In low-light conditions, machine operators need to be vigilant while handling heavy machines. Poor visibility around these machines poses a huge risk. Chances of workers slipping, colliding or getting crushed under the machines are higher. But if workers wear hi-vis safety jackets, the number of accidents that occur due to low visibility may be significantly reduced. Durability protects workers from coming in contact with hazardous material or flying objects. And also makes sure workers are safe from dust, heat, UV rays, water, snow etc.
Safety Jackets are a crucial part of personal protective equipment (P.P.E) and are useful in preventing workplace accidents and injuries. In 2018 alone, almost 8,000 construction workers suffered a head injury and 230 construction workers died from their injury. So get the best quality hi-vis safety jackets for your workforce and prevent accidents, save money & avoid any lawsuits and fines.
Role of Visibility in Easy communication
Effective communication is fundamental for supervising, coordinating and execution of any type of work. On construction or industrial sites, better communication between supervisors, workers, and machine operators ensures efficiency & smooth operations. However, many workplace settings are noisy & have poor visibility, especially construction and industrial settings. Poor visibility, loud noise and other factors combined make communication difficult leading to injuries or accidents. So, workers, supervisors or visitors must wear good quality hi-vis safety jackets to minimize any risk. For example, a worker wearing a good quality safety jacket may easily be spotted & warned about any dangers. Better communication will improve productivity and reduce workplace injuries and accidents.
Conclusion
Workers operate in extremely risky environments. They have no choice but to show up daily, no matter how harsh or challenging the working conditions are. Workplace safety on construction or industrial sites is really challenging. Such sites are prone to accidents. To minimize the risk, employers need to invest in high-quality personal protective equipment (P.P.E) such as hi-vis safety jackets. Such jackets enhance the visibility and protect workers from different types of workplace hazards. However, safety jackets must be comfortable and durable. Durable to shield workers from heat, dust, UV rays, wind, rain, snow or any other workplace hazards. Therefore, the factors of visibility and durability hold equal importance when buying safety jackets.
