Tagged with 'HiVis'

It seems like a huge relief when the temperature climbs above 30 degrees after a long and brutal winter of frigid weather. It's still cold but thankfully not so cold that you can't stand to be outside, let alone work outdoors all day. Within the next month the temperatures will climb to something more reasonable and you'll be able to leave the hats and gloves at home and start to shed those extra layers of winter clothing that you've become so accustomed to. Finally!
 
So what comes next you ask? The rainy season, that's what - and there's no better way to be prepared for work than with some high quality rainwear products. They make the job easier, safer and more comfortable by keeping you dry and visible throughout the work day.
 
Take a look at a few of our most popular rainwear products that can make your life easier this spring.
 

ML Kishigo Economy Series Class 3 Rain Suit

This combo features both pants and jacket; everything you need to stay visible and dry - and from a brand you can trust! The ANSI Class 3 Jacket and Class E Pants make for a high-performance set of rain gear at a truly affordable price of less than $43. Both pieces are manufactured from durable, waterproof, 150-denier polyester oxford fabric with polyurethane coating and sealed seams. Adjustable wrist & leg cuffs make for a perfect fit and a non-sparking snaps and zipper for added safety. This suit is sold as a set and is available in Lime or Orange. See more HERE.
 

Viking Professional Thor 300D Ripstop Class 3 Rain Jacket

If you're interested in the ultimate in safety and rain protection, you might want to take a look at the Professional Thor Rain Jacket from Viking. Made from rugged 300D tribal ripstop polyester, it's as tough as they come. This jacket features 4-inch reflective striping by 3M, guaranteeing the highest visibility under even the harshest weather conditions. Equipped with waterproof zippers, a detachable 'stormblaster' hood and armpit vents to provide adequate ventilation. It's 100% windproof & waterproof and has double-sewn, taped and heat-sealed seams. ANSI Class 3 compliant and available in yellow or orange. $125 right now, see more HERE.
 

Falcon 3-Piece Rain Suit

We couldn't finish this blog without adding something quick and simple.. The Falcon 3-Piece rain suit is just that - it's simple, inexpensive and surprisingly effective. The 100% waterproof suit features a jacket, bibs and detachable hood. It's not ANSI compliant, but at just $9.95 it's perfect for job sites where ANSI gear isn't required. Made from .35mm thick PVC and polyester, the jacket features a vented back and underarms to promote ventilation while the bibs feature elastic suspenders and a front fly. To ensure a comfortable and effective fit, the suit is equipped with adjustable wrist, waist and ankle snaps. Dual front jacket pockets with flaps for storage and a storm flap front. THis jacket is silicone free and available in yellow, lime or orange. See more HERE.
 
If you're looking for something different or would like to browse other rainwear products, check out our complete inventory of high visibility rain gear. There are plenty of products to choose from at our everyday low prices, as well as many other spring and summer garments to keep you safe and comfortable on the job.
 

Working outdoors has both its advantages and disadvantages. One of the most critical aspects of an outdoor workplace is obviously the weather, yet too often it seems that we're either braving the extreme cold of winter or trying to find a place to cool ourselves from the scorching summer sun. Ideally, we'd prefer the weather to be somewhere in the middle - not too hot, not too cold. Usually it's only during the spring and fall that we get to enjoy the luxury of ideal working conditions. But what type of high visibility gear can be worn during these mediocre temperatures? When it's a bit too warm for a bulky for a sweatshirt or jacket and still too cool for a t-shirt, what's the answer to safety and comfort? A windbreaker; and ML Kishigo has just the product.
 
The Black Series Windbreaker is the perfect answer to the rather mild and unpredictable months of spring and fall. Manufactured from 100% lightweight polyester it offers enough protection to dampen the wind yet provide breathable and flexible high visibility safety when you need it the most. It also functions perfectly as a space saving backup that can be kept in a car or locker and used on an as-needed basis. Better yet, it's ANSI Class 3 compliant so it's suitable for practically any job site.
 
As are all ML Kishigo's products, the Black Series Windbreaker is designed for a tough job. Comfort, safety and functionality has always been trademarks of the brand and they've surely been incorporated in the design of this windbreaker.
 
Being ANSI Class 3 compliant, it features plenty of reflective striping for poorly lit environments and decreased visibility. Strategic placement of these materials on the garment provide you with the best overall reflectivity to ensure that you're seen by drivers, equipment operators and co-workers. After all there's no such thing as being too safe, right?
 
Adjustable wrist cuffs allow for a secure yet comfortable fit while adjustable waist cinches are located on the interior of the zippered front pockets to prevent from being snagged on equipment or materials. We think that's quite clever from a safety point of view - not to mention it provides a cleaner look.
 
There's also a vertical pocket on the left chest with a waterproof zipper for anything that needs to remain dry during wet conditions. Unique shoulder shoulder vents have been integrated as well to allow heat to escape during rigorous activity, keeping you cool enough to prevent sweating and discomfort. The black fabric areas of the underarm are made from a more durable ripstop material to help prevent wear while providing a clean appearance in areas that might normally appear soiled from frequent contact with materials or equipment. Not too bad for a windbreaker!
 
The ML Kishigo Black Series ANSI Class 3 Windbreaker is available in HiVis Lime or Orange (WB100 or WB101) in sizes Medium through 5XL and is priced just under $50 at HiVisSupply.com right now. It's a solid investment in long lasting comfort and safety, two things you definitely don't want to spend the work day without. If you're interested at taking a shot to win one for free, be sure to enter our April HiVis Giveaway on our Facebook page for your chance. 

There are two types of retro-reflective materials available that meet the ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 Standard on High Visibility Safety Apparel: Silver Glass Bead retro-reflective material and Prismatic retro-reflective material.
 
The silver glass bead material is flexible, lightweight and can be a good solution for many kinds of work environments. The reflectivity (light returned to the headlights) is accomplished using microscopic glass spheres embedded either in a heat activated adhesive or on fabric. One of the drawbacks of this technology is its ability to perform well when under wet conditions where it can lose most of its reflectivity when wet. In fact, its visibility simply starts disappearing before your eyes – and more importantly, to oncoming traffic. Water causes the reflective optics to scatter the light, rather than reflect it back to an approaching motorist – when visibility is most critical. Additionally, the glass beads are not protected from abrasion and are easily worn away by contact with seatbelts and normal work tasks.
 
Prismatic retro-reflective material (PRM) is a different technology that utilizes thousands of micro-prisms that are protected by a transparent plastic film. Prismatic retro-reflective materials are far more efficient at returning light to drivers’ headlights than glass beaded products. They perform exceptionally well under wet conditions and avoid abrasion because of this protective layer. One of the drawbacks with PRM’s can be experienced under extremely cold conditions. Like any vinyl material, it can become stiffer than glass beaded material. In addition it is heavier than traditional glass beaded material. Prismatic materials are available in fluorescent colors for added visibility during dusk, dawn, and inclement weather conditions when additional conspicuity is most important.
 
Before you determine which material to use, do a quick analysis of your use and then base your decision on the performance characteristics of the material. Very simply – if you work under wet conditions, or experience a lot of abrasion in your job (baggage handler) then chances are you’d be much better off using prismatic reflective material. If your primary objective is lightweight and durability and wet conditions are not an issue, you’re probably better off with glass beaded material.
 
source: www.MLKishigo.com

Safety is an important issue for everyone, but an often overlooked occupation where workers put their lives on the line every day - well, one every school day - is the often un-noticed, and under-appreciated, school crossing guard.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines a crossing guard as someone who directs traffic (both pedestrian and vehicular) on streets, at schools, and at railroad crossings and construction sites. In 2007, there were an estimated 70,000 school crossing guards employed nationally, and in the years between 1993 to 2006, there were 97 school crossing guard fatalities, or almost 7 a year. This may not seem like a lot of deaths, but these men and women put their lives on the line each day to keep our children safe.

Additionally, the state of Florida reports that in 2006, 39% of all 16 and under pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 pm. Of the 516 fatalities, 104, or (20%) were pedestrians - usually children. In an effort to lower these numbers, the state trains crossing guards to:
• Use proper crossing techniques consistently
• Encourage patterns of proper crossing behavior by students
• Deter students from committing unsafe/unlawful acts
• Recognize and report hazardous conditions
• Take proper actions in an emergency
• Know their responsibilities and limitations of authority
• Exhibit professionalism and instill confidence
• Earn students’ respect

In a New Jersey report, other factors attributing to motor-vehicle related injuries include among school crossing guards include:
• Unsafe driving
• Parents rushing to and through the school zone
• Distracted driving including cell phones, eating, drinking and smoking

As parents, let's respect school crossing guards, the men and women who serve our children every day and make sure they get to cross the street safely. As drivers, let's start paying attention to school zones, and wait to send that text message, or wait to eat the fast food when we get home.

At HiVis Supply, we are proud to resell high visibility apparel including incident command vests, safety vests, and traffic vests, as well as traffic safety accessories and ANSI compliant vests for crossing guards, pedestrian crossing and speed limit signs.

By choosing a vest which is above what is generally necessary, you will ensure the safety of your employees and help to make them as secure in their job as possible. Even an ANSI class 3 surveyors vest can provide you with an abundance of visibility, typically with some additional options that will rate them for breakaway material.

The need for a safety ANSI class 2 vest for their job would include individuals who are working when the weather conditions are poor and visibility may be low. These are also generally preferred for when traffic near the worker will exceed 25 mph. Some of the most popular professions which use these types of vests would include airport ground workers, law enforcement officials, railroad workers and crossing guards.

The workplace can be a dangerous place, with there being more hazards than people often realize. There are many accidents in the workplace each year due to unsafe work practices, staff not being trained to use equipment or machinery properly or even simple things, like being tired or overworked. It is important for all businesses to take their Occupational Health and Safety seriously and it is a good idea to deal with Safety Management Consulting groups to make sure they are on the right track.


Fires

Some workplaces are more prone to fires than others, depending on the nature of the business. As an employer fire safety should be a number one priority and steps undertaken to protect staff against the threat of fire. Staff should also be fully trained in case there is a fire, knowing where the escape routes are and where they should assemble.

Noise

An overexposure to loud noise can cause damage to a person's hearing, even rendering them completely deaf over time. In many factories the noise of some machinery is extremely loud, and staff must be given the right ear protection to wear. Noise should not be louder than 140 decibels and staff should not be exposed to it for prolonged periods of time. If it is at all possible machinery should be fixed to tone down the noise, or have noise buffers put in place.

Injuries

Unfortunately workplace injuries occur everyday. Some are just small injuries, others are more serious, and sometimes they are even fatal. Employers must do everything they can to avoid their staff from being injured. Measures employers can take include making sure machines have safety guards, that staff are well educated in the use of dangerous machinery and that their business compiles with occupational health and safety standards. Employers can also support staff who are injured to return to work as soon as possible and make sure they receive the right compensation during the time they are injured.

Electrical Hazards

It is not just staff working with electricity, like electricians, that can be exposed to electrical hazards. Staff need to be aware of any risks that may arise from using electricity. Some industries will be more at risk than others but it is a risk that is not to be disregarded. An employer needs to make sure that there are no faulty electrical equipment being used, no loose wires or water lying around anywhere that electricity is being used.

To learn more about Workplace Safety, check out HiVis Supply or Summit Sign and Safety, and check Self Insurance and Safety Management Consulting.

1. The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is dedicated to providing the transportation construction industry and the general public with comprehensive information to improve motorist, worker and pedestrian safety in roadway work zones. Here you'll find videos, social media sources, articles training and tips to keep roadside workers safe.

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970 to carry out safety programs previously administered by the National Highway Safety Bureau. Specifically, the agency directs the highway safety and consumer programs established by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Highway Safety Act of 1966, the 1972 Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and succeeding amendments to these laws. Dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety, NHTSA works daily to help prevent crashes and their attendant costs, both human and financial. The agency strives to exceed the expectations of its customers through its core values of Integrity, Service, and Leadership.





5. Distraction.Gov: Also a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation - heeding America’s call to end the dangerous practice of distracted driving on our nation’s roadways. Distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice and we will not rest until we stop it. We are leading the effort but you are the key to preventing distracted driving. The message is simple – Put it down! We will work across the spectrum with private and public entities as well as advocacy groups to tackle distracted driving, and, we will lead by example. We have taken first steps -- The President’s Executive Order has established a new way to approach driving – by putting your device down and paying attention to the task at hand.

Hi Vis Supply is dedicated to educating everyone on the dangers of roadside work, and keeping our hard-working men and women visible to the dangers around them, especially on our Nation's roadways. Visit our site for all of your HiVis needs.

The US Department of Labor (DOL) has produced a series of prevention videos regarding safety in industry and on the jobsite.

In the U.S., more than 800 construction workers die every year while on the job. Being struck by vehicles, heavy equipment, and other objects is the top cause of injuries and the second cause of death for construction workers, killing more than 150 workers in 2009. But these injuries and deaths can be prevented.

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace and required protective equipment. You'll see that taking the right protective steps saves lives.

All scenes are based on true stories. A surveyor was spray painting the ground to outline the area for a new building pad. At the same time, the driver of a wheel tractor scraper was moving forward to get the ground ready for pad construction. There was no spotter at the site, and there was no internal traffic control plan in place. Before backing up to go over the ground again, the driver checked his rearview and side mirrors. He didn't see anyone in his mirrors, so he  up. The driver's back-up alarm didn't work, so the surveyor did not hear the scraper coming towards her. As the driver backed up, he ran over the surveyor. She died from the injuries.

Let's look at the events leading up to this tragic incident, and see how it could have been prevented. When a vehicle on a construction site has an obstructed view to the rear OSHA's standard requires employers to provide that vehicle with a working back-up alarm, or a spotter on site to tell the driver when it is safe to back up. Now let's see what happens when protective measures are in place. Although there is now a working back-up alarm, it is barely audible over the background noise, so as an added safety measure there is also a spotter on site wearing a reflective vest. There is also an internal traffic control plan in place. This plan helps protect workers because it tells the drivers of moving vehicles and equipment the safest way to move around the work site. So this time, before backing up, the scraper's driver waits for the spotter's signal so he knows the area is clear to enter. Now as the driver reverses, the back-up alarm can be heard and no workers are near the scraper.

This example shows the importance of employers following OSHA's vehicle safety standards for construction sites to ensure that workers are provided with a safe workplace.

These types of construction worker deaths are preventable.

The protection measures shown here save workers' lives. Please follow OSHA's safety standards at worksites: it could be the difference between life and death. If you would like more information, contact OSHA at www.osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA.