5 Reasons Why Hi Vis and UPF Protective Workwear Are Essential for Outdoor Laborers

When considering whether to invest in high-quality, safety-enhancing workwear for yourself or your crew, it helps to understand the different options and technologies available.

What is High visibility apparel (also known as hi vis apparel)? This is a type of PPE that keeps the wearer visible with bright, highly luminescent colors. Shades of green, yellow, and orange help make wearers highly discernible from any backdrop so they are easy to spot, even at night and in low-lit environments.

What does UPF mean? UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It indicates how much UV radiation a certain fabric will allow to reach your skin. Clothing that’s rated as UPF 50+—the highest UPF rating achievable—will block out 98 percent of the sun’s rays, keeping you safe from sun damage. Think of it like wearable sunscreen (although, you never want to skip the sunscreen, no matter how protective your gear).

• It prevents accidents. Hi vis safety clothing helps crew members stand out to motorists, cyclists, operators of heavy machinery, and anyone who could be responsible for a collision, potentially preventing serious and even life-threatening struck-by accidents. This apparel makes you extra visible during the day, at night, and in inclement weather. And the effectiveness of high visibility apparel has been well-documented, with studies showing that wearing it can drastically reduce accidents.
• It protects workers. UPF clothing is designed to help block out harmful UV rays, including both UVB and UVA rays that are responsible for damaging DNA in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Wearing a protective sun shade hat or a pair of UPF arm sleeves can help protect you from sunburn and premature aging, even in the places where it’s hard to apply sunscreen. There are also fire resistant (FR) hi vis apparel options for those workers who want sun protection, but work in environments where they are exposed to flash fire or arc flash hazards.
• It helps regulate temperature. Many professionals work outside year-round, which means they need apparel that’s protective but also helps keep them at an optimal temperature. In the summer, workers can wear UPF high visibility apparel that wicks away sweat and provides an instant cooling effect when wet. When it’s cold out, they can wear high visibility winter apparel with extra insulation and protection against wind and snow to keep them warm, safe, and alert on the job, no matter how frigid it is outside.
• It keeps workers up to code. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) codes and laws set forth by your city, county, or state may dictate the use of high visibility apparel. For example, OSHA [standard 1926.201] requires certain highway and road construction professionals to wear high visibility apparel. Keeping your crew well-outfitted with this kind of gear can help you stay up to code and avoid preventable fines.
• It designates workers. Although hi vis apparel can certainly be used in recreation—and, in fact, it’s a good idea in situations like jogging or cycling—in many contexts, it signals to the public that you’re a part of the working crew. This is useful anytime you or your crew is working in a public area. You can also have your gear personalized with your company name or logo for a professional touch.