Keeping America's Workforce Seen and Safe.

From construction sites to bustling factories, America's workforce keeps our nation running. But ensuring their safety often hinges on a crucial factor: visibility. High-visibility (hi-vis) workwear plays a vital role in protecting workers in low-light conditions, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

What is ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Certified Hi-Vis?
Established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 is the benchmark for high-visibility safety apparel and accessories. This designation ensures garments meet specific criteria to enhance a worker's visibility in low-light conditions – dawn, dusk, fog, rain, and nighttime – significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

Why is ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Hi-Vis Important for Blue-Collar Jobs?
Many blue-collar professions involve working in environments with low visibility. Here are some examples:

• Construction Workers: Scaffolding, digging trenches, and handling heavy machinery in low-light conditions create a significant risk of accidents. ANSI certified hi-vis vests ensure construction workers are easily seen by colleagues and passing vehicles.
• Roadside Assistance and Utility Workers: Responding to emergencies or performing repairs along roadways often requires working in unpredictable lighting conditions. Hi-vis clothing makes these workers stand out, minimizing the risk of getting struck by passing vehicles.
• Factory and Warehouse Workers: Large warehouses can have areas with limited lighting, especially around loading docks and machinery. Hi-vis gear improves worker visibility in these environments, preventing collisions with forklifts and other equipment.
• Landscapers and Grounds Maintenance Crews: Early morning or late-night landscaping work often takes place before sunrise or after sunset. Hi-vis clothing allows these workers to be easily seen by passing motorists and pedestrians.

Key Components of ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Hi-Vis Gear:

• Fluorescent Background Material: This high-visibility base color, usually fluorescent yellow or orange, ensures the wearer is easily recognizable against complex backgrounds.
• Retroreflective Material: These reflective stripes appear bright white when illuminated by headlights, making the wearer stand out in low-light conditions.
• Class 2 vs. Class 3 Ratings: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 classifies hi-vis apparel based on the amount of background and reflective material. Class 3 Ratings requiring additional reflective taping and fabric colors and you should determine which ANSI rating is needed based your work’s requirements. Different industries, such as roadworkers, emergency crews and construction may have specific guidelines regarding which rating should be worn while working.

How Can Workplaces Prioritize Hi-Vis Safety?
By prioritizing the use of ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 certified hi-vis clothing, workplaces can significantly contribute to worker safety:

• Invest in Compliant Gear: Providing workers with high-quality, Class 2 certified hi-vis vests, jackets, or pants ensures they have the appropriate equipment to stay visible in low-light conditions.
• Educate Workers: Conducting workplace safety training can raise awareness about the importance of hi-vis clothing and proper usage guidelines.
• Regular Inspections: Encouraging workers to regularly inspect their hi-vis gear for wear and tear and replace it when necessary promotes consistent safety measures.

Buffalo Outdoors Workwear: Your Partner in Workplace Safety
At Buffalo Outdoors, we understand the importance of keeping our workforce safe. That's why we offer a wide range of ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 2 certified hi-vis clothing in various styles and sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for any worker.

Prioritizing worker visibility is a responsibility we all share. By equipping workplaces with high-quality, compliant hi-vis workwear, we can create a safer environment for America's dedicated blue-collar workforce.