When it comes to safety on construction sites in the United States, visibility isn’t just a best practice — it’s the law. Failure to comply with federal and state regulations on high-visibility safety vests can result in hefty fines, job site shutdowns and accidents that could have been prevented.
Why are safety vests legally required?
Construction zones are inherently dangerous. With heavy machinery, fast-moving vehicles and poor visibility in certain conditions, the risk of injury is high. That’s why organisations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have set clear guidelines for high-visibility apparel.
OSHA does not specify exact colours or designs, but it enforces the use of high-visibility clothing for workers who are exposed to vehicle traffic or machinery. OSHA refers to American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) standards, such as ANSI/ISEA 107, to define what qualifies as high-visibility gear.
Please find below a list of key ANSI standards that you need to be aware of.
To avoid violations and fines, it is essential that your safety vests meet the ANSI/ISEA 107 standards. This standard divides vests into three performance categories:
- Class 1: For low-risk environments, such as off-road or warehouse work.
- Class 2: For situations involving higher levels of risk, such as roadway construction where speeds are below 50 mph.
- Class 3 is intended for use in the most high-risk situations, including highways and night-time construction. It is the class that requires the most visibility.
The majority of construction site workers are categorised as either Class 2 or Class 3, depending on various factors such as traffic proximity, lighting conditions, and the nature of their job responsibilities.
The key elements that OSHA will be looking for on a job site.
In the event of an OSHA inspection, the following points will be covered:
It is vital that all workers exposed to vehicular or equipment hazards have proper visibility.
2. Vests that are bright in colour (fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, etc.)
3. Retroreflective tape or material is required for visibility during low-light or night-time conditions.
4. It is imperative that vests are of the correct fit and in good condition; torn or faded vests may not be compliant.
Failure to provide appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment), including high-visibility vests, can result in OSHA fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars per violation.
Please find below a list of real-world penalties for non-compliance.
Please find below some examples of the consequences of ignoring regulations:
A New York construction firm was fined over $12,000 after a worker was found operating near traffic without the proper high-visibility clothing.
A Florida-based contractor received repeat citations totalling $30,000+ for failing to equip road crew members with ANSI-compliant vests.
These penalties are not merely financial obligations; they present significant reputational risks, the potential for legal action, and the possibility of endangering human life.
In order to ensure compliance, it is essential to select the appropriate vest.
The selection of the most appropriate vest is contingent upon the particular conditions present at the worksite. Ask yourself:
- Please can you confirm whether my workers are exposed to traffic or heavy equipment?
- Could you please clarify whether they are suitable for use in low-light conditions or during night-time hours?
- Please confirm whether our operations are located in close proximity to high-speed roadways.
If the answer is "yes" to any of these, Class 2 or Class 3 vests with high-quality reflective material are a mandatory requirement.
Furthermore, please consider the additional features.
- X-back tape is an essential component of our range of products, ensuring compliance with DOT regulations in certain states.
- We are proud to present our innovative Breakaway designs, which have been developed to ensure the safety of individuals in close proximity to moving machinery.
- We are able to produce custom logos or ID cards that maintain their reflectivity.
Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all our customers.
We are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety and will not hesitate to impose fines in cases where safety is compromised.
It is not advisable to delay compliance until the possibility of an OSHA inspection arises. High-visibility safety vests represent more than a mere box to be ticked – they are an essential component of your team's protective equipment. Investing in ANSI-certified equipment is not only legally required, but can also help to avoid costly penalties, delays, or worse – accidents at work.
We are pleased to present our range of ANSI-compliant reflective vests, which have been designed to ensure the safety and visibility of your workforce. In the construction industry, it is essential to adhere to safety standards to avoid potential risks.
If you need assistance choosing the right safety vest for your crew, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Should you require expert guidance or information regarding bulk pricing options, please do not hesitate to contact us.