Tips on Choosing the Best Hi Vis Workwear for Transportation Workers

airport worker

Whether they’re working with trains, trucks, buses, airplanes or something else, transportation workers help people and goods get where they’re going. Though transportation workers might often work behind the scenes, they should never be invisible — especially when it comes to being noticed by the people operating the large vehicles the transportation industry uses. 

Transportation workers of all kinds need high visibility workwear designed for the demanding environments where these professionals work. Below, you’ll learn about some important tips for choosing transportation workwear. In addition, we’ll see some of the most versatile solutions that HiVis Supply has to offer, from reflective vests to hi vis work shirts.  

Common Hazards in Transportation Work

Every job comes with its challenges and workplace hazards. Some, however, are extremely common in transportation industry jobs: 

  • Struck-By Accidents: Due to the large vehicles common in transportation, accidents where someone is struck or run over by a vehicle are some of the biggest hazards of working in transportation. 
  • High and Low Temperatures: Many transportation jobs involve working outside in conditions that are extremely hot or cold, which can cause problems from hypothermia to heat exhaustion
  • Precipitation: Transportation jobs also frequently require working when rain, snow or other unwanted things fall out of the sky. Working in wet conditions without proper gear is another way that transportation workers can fall victim to hypothermia. 

What Transportation Workers Need from Their Hi Vis Workwear

  • ANSI Rated High Visibility: Many transportation jobs require workwear with a certain ANSI high visibility rating, so get familiar with the ANSI 107 high visibility standard and the different classes of visibility performance it describes. High visibility colors and reflective tape materials are the two key elements to look for in any hi vis workwear. 
  • Insulation: Transportation workers who work in cold environments will need an insulated hi vis work jacket. Synthetic insulation is generally a better choice than down because it offers better performance in wet conditions. 
  • Waterproofing/Water Resistance: Speaking of wet conditions, you need workwear that can stand up to them. Choose fabrics coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) and make sure that you know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant when shopping. 
  • Flexibility: Many transportation jobs require bending, stretching, climbing and all kinds of other body movements. If that sounds like your job, choose hi vis workwear that includes flex points made from stretchy material in areas like the shoulders and armpits. It will help maintain your flexibility and range of motion. 
  • Cooling and Ventilation: To stay comfortable and alert on the job, transportation workers need clothing that allows air circulation. Polyester mesh fabrics are designed for rugged yet breathable performance, making them an ideal choice for transportation work. 

transportation worker

Hi Vis Transportation Workwear

HiVis Supply brings transportation workers everything they need to find the right hi vis workwear solution. Check out some of our most popular offerings for the transportation industry: 

railroad worker

We’ve talked about some awesome hi vis workwear for transportation pros, but there’s way more where that came from! Make sure to see our transportation solutions page to find out everything that HiVis Supply offers our customers in the transportation industry, from hi vis vests to safety jackets and beyond. 

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