Stand out for Safety
It’s often said in the Midwest that there are really only two seasons, Winter and construction season. However, no matter the time a year, thousands of workers, public service officers and recreationalists take to the roads for work and play. One thing they have in common? They all know how important it is to be seen.
With the implementation of Daylight Savings Time, it seems to get dark before anyone heads home this time of year, meaning high-visibility safety apparel (e.g. vests, bibs or coveralls) are necessary to alert drivers and other vehicle operators to the presence of workers along roadways, especially in low light or nighttime conditions.
Some of us are familiar with flimsy, fluorescent vests from volunteering to adopt highways or playing traffic conductor at a little league game, but for your workers, you want quality garments with safety protection built in. To help you make the right selection, especially if your work goes from day to night, we’ve got a few tips of the trade on how to be visible in all conditions.
Fluorescence for Safety
Fluorescent neon hues aren’t just for 1980s flashbacks. In fact, true fluorescent clothing appears to glow under even daylight conditions, and thus is the prime candidate for high-visibility safety apparel. What gives these garments their “lit from within” quality is in fact the way they absorb a portion of the invisible, ultraviolet light rays, and then reemit them at wavelengths that we can see.
This trick of light is especially useful in shifting light conditions, such as at dusk when the visible spectrum of light diminishes and normal colors become less visible. The darker it gets, the brighter these fluorescent materials appear as they retain their luminance against the dull and depthless landscape.
Reflective Materials
Another step you can take to add extra safety precautions to your already existing uniforms is through the addition of reflective elements. Reflective materials bounce light off of its surface so that it can be seen. Unlike fluorescent clothing, reflective strips don’t glow but instead flash when standing in a light’s beam. When color visibility decreases in low-light conditions, these reflective elements can introduce contrast back into the driver’s field of vision.
For garments that don’t already contain a reflective element, reflect tape and badges can be sewn onto the articles of clothing. However the safest, and smartest choice, is to combine both fluorescence and reflection into your safety apparel. The best way to keep safe is to be prepared, and here at SITEX we make safety a priority, providing quality garments that are not only durable but deliver lasting comfort. If you’re ready to talk about how we can help make your team more safe, contact us today!
