When is Hi-Vis Required?

High-Visibility clothing was not introduced in the UK until 1964. Since then, it has become mandatory in industries where greater visibility equals improved safety. However, this explanation may be unclear and leave you thinking, ‘when is hi-vis required by employees?’

Below, we’ll be outlining three professional environments where hi-vis should be worn. We will explain why this is and take you through the factors that make hi-visibility gear so crucial to your personal and professional safety.

If you’re an employer looking to keep your workers safe, or a worker in the market for some replacement high-vis gear, don’t worry. Greenberg stocks high-visibility workwear in a collection of sizes and styles, perfect for any purpose. 

Environments Where Hi-Vis Must Be Worn:

Construction Zones

In the construction industry, many employers have high-visibility policies. This means that, even if you think it’s unfashionable, you’ll have to wear high-vis gear the entire time you’re on-site.

High-visibility clothing is vital to the safety of construction workers. First, it makes them easier to see! High-vis is reflective and bright, making accidents or collisions less likely. High-vis gear also makes overnight work a greater possibility. Oftentimes, construction workers have to tole through the night to get the job done. 

Without high-vis, the conditions could become extremely unsafe. The bright pigments in high-vis gear create a strong contrast in the night and make it virtually impossible to blend into your surroundings. 

Emergency Medical Teams

In the UK, Emergency Medical Teams, or EMTs, are healthcare professionals who can respond to a range of medical emergencies. This includes paramedics, ambulance technicians and ambulance service workers. 

These employees work in high-stress environments and can be required to perform medical care in dark or dangerous situations, such as in the middle of a flow of traffic or the centre of large crowds. 

By wearing high-visibility clothing, they can be quickly identified by individuals in need. This also makes it easier for co-workers to spot each other and provide coordinated care more efficiently.

Motorbike/Bike Couriers

When you compare the size of most motorbikes to cars, it’s easy to see why motorcyclists need extra protection on the road. They are at a significantly higher risk of traffic collisions if not wearing high-visibility gear, particularly at night.

Although there is no law that states motorcycle couriers must wear high-vis gear, it is highly recommended. Ensuring contrast between other vehicles will limit the chance of confusion. Poor weather conditions will also limit your visibility to other drivers. 

Motorbike couriers spend a lot of time on different roads, delivering products rain or shine. So they may require a large collection of high-quality high-vis to stay visible for longer. Additional material covering the legs, arms or head will help to increase their presence on the road. 

Places Where Hi-Vis Is Optional:

Hunting

By now, you might be thinking, ‘well hunting isn’t very common in the UK!’ However, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) reported that over a million people take part in hunting activities every year. 

It could seem contradictory to suggest hunters wear high-visibility gear. After all, the success of their hunt requires staying hidden. Hunters typically wear camouflage gear to break up their image to prey by matching the terrain around them. 

Many animals are colourblind and cannot differentiate between the camouflaged hunter and the bushes next to them. So this begs the question: when is hi-vis required in hunting?

Ideally, it should be worn at all times. The colourblind vision of most animals means that any high-vis gear you wear will not capture their attention the same way it does for humans.

Other hunters may be operating close to you, meaning high-visibility gear is to prevent accidental shootings or injury at the hands of other hunters. 

Cyclists

In the UK, the highway code recommends but does not enforce, that cyclists wear high-visibility clothing for protection. Bicycles are smaller than motorbikes and cars alike, meaning riders are at an increased risk of crashes.

In the Highway Code, there are several recommendations that cyclists should ‘wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light… [and] reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark,’

It should be noted that, although this is a recommendation, you can still be found liable in court if you do not make yourself visible to other drivers. Failure to take the ‘guidance’ of the highway code could result in a £2,500 fine. So you must get your hands on some high-quality, high-visibility workwear from us at Greenbergs!