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As the days shorten and weather conditions worsen, the role of high-visibility clothing for winter safety comes to the fore. This vital type of clothing is one of the most effective tools to enhance safety during the colder seasons, where visibility is compromised by dim light, fog, rain and even snow.
Winter presents unique challenges in outdoor work environments for several reasons.
Firstly, diminished daylight hours mean that many work shifts extend into early morning or late evening when natural light is minimal. On top of this, adverse weather conditions, which are commonplace at this time of year, further reduce visibility.
For those working around moving vehicles or machinery in such conditions, the risk of accidents increases dramatically. In such instances, ensuring workers remain visible to vehicle operators is not just a matter of caution, but a legal requirement under the European Union (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations 2018. Employers must provide hi-vis clothing to any employee working in conditions where visibility is poor and where the presence of vehicles or mobile equipment heightens risk.
Hi-vis clothing is designed to make workers stand out from their environment by increasing their conspicuity. The garments combine two key elements: fluorescent materials, which increase visibility during the day, and retroreflective strips, which are particularly effective at night when illuminated by headlights or other artificial light sources.
There are three main classes of hi-vis clothing, each offering different levels of visibility:
In hazardous winter conditions, it’s best to opt for Class 3 hi-vis clothing, as it provides 360-degree visibility.
For workers in specific professions and across certain industries, there are numerous benefits to utilising hi-vis clothing during the winter months. These include:
During winter, natural light is scarce and hi-vis clothing helps to ensure workers can be seen even in such dimly lit environments. The fluorescent colours are designed to stand out against dreary weather, making workers visible during the day. Meanwhile, the retroreflective strips come into play after dark, reflecting light from vehicle headlights and other sources back to the observer.
Hi-vis clothing is not just for dull environments – it’s also crucial when weather conditions like rain, fog and snow reduce visibility. These conditions make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians or workers on site. Wearing hi-vis gear with large retroreflective strips ensures that workers remain visible even in thick fog or driving snow.
One of the leading causes of workplace accidents in winter is the interaction between workers and vehicles. Whether it’s loading and unloading operations in a yard or simply crossing a roadway, the risk of being struck increases when visibility is compromised. Hi-vis clothing reduces this risk by signalling a worker’s presence to drivers and equipment operators from a distance.
Hi-vis clothing is a legal requirement in many industries, especially where vehicles and pedestrians operate in the same space. Regulations such as EN ISO 20471:2013 dictate the performance requirements of hi-vis garments, ensuring they provide sufficient protection for workers. Furthermore, employers must provide this essential PPE to employees free of charge and ensure it is properly maintained.
Over time, dirt, wear and repeated washing can reduce the efficacy of the fluorescent materials and reflective strips on hi-vis items, so maintaining the visibility of the clothing is crucial.
Many hi-vis garments are rated for a specific number of washes, after which their visibility diminishes. Workers should therefore be trained to care for their hi-vis clothing and report any damage or wear.
In addition to this, employers should conduct regular inspections of garments and coordinate replacements when necessary.
Selecting the appropriate hi-vis clothing for winter depends on several factors, such as the level of risk, the weather and the nature of the work. For instance, outdoor workers exposed to high volumes of moving traffic should wear Class 3 garments, which offer the highest level of visibility.
It’s also important to consider the colour of the clothing. While both yellow and orange are standard hi-vis colours, certain work environments may make one colour more visible than the other.
Finally, it is crucial to remember that winter conditions demand more than just visibility. Workers need warmth and protection from rain, snow and cold winds to avoid issues like cold-related stress. Here at Ark Safety, we offer a range of hi-vis clothing options designed for layering, including waterproof and insulated jackets, overalls and trousers. These garments not only meet safety standards for visibility but also offer weather protection and thermal comfort, ensuring workers can stay warm and dry throughout their shifts.
In winter, when reduced daylight hours and adverse weather conditions make visibility a challenge, hi-vis clothing is an essential component of workplace safety. By wearing high-quality, well-maintained hi-vis garments, workers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, particularly in environments with moving vehicles or heavy machinery.
At Ark Safety, we understand the critical role that hi-vis clothing plays in protecting workers during winter, and in response, we offer a range of top-tier PPE solutions that ensure safety and compliance with the highest standards.
Investing in the right hi-vis clothing could be the difference between safety and a serious accident, and with winter fast approaching, now is the time for businesses to assess their PPE requirements. Ensure your workers are properly equipped for the season ahead – contact us today for advice and browse our wide range of hi-vis products.
