Regulated Construction Clothes
Construction worker clothing is usually seen in one of two options. Worn in jeans and a basic plain t-shirt, or a pair of work pants with a high visibility shirt. High vis shirts keep workers easily visible to motorists as well as other workers. High visibility clothes are regulated by the American National Standard Institute, which tells workers what class of high vis accessories they need to meet for each job. Classes are broken down into three categories.
The first class is used only for when workers are not near traffic or motorists traveling over 25 miles per hour. This generally wouldn’t apply to most roads, and would be for stationary jobs such as parking lots not being used or buildings not on a busy road. Class 1 requires workers to wear a vest with a 2-inch wide reflective band across the chest, as well as something reflective on a hat or hardhat.
Class 2 is more common, and deals with traffic traveling from 25-50 miles per hour. Class 2 requires everything from the first, as well as full reflective sleeves and an additional band around the worker’s waist.
Class 3 suffices for what everyone hates to seeconstruction on the interstate. To meet Class 3 standards, combine both of the first two, and add reflective coveralls so there is reflection at all points of the bodyhead, chest, waist, sleeves, and ankles. Doing this provides visibility of up to 1,280 feet away.
For how often accidents occur, exercising these practices is extremely important. Nighttime work especially should be taken very seriously, as that is when most accidents occur. Construction accidents are avoidable, and high vis clothing aims to help make that possible.