Why compliance means more than just safety — it could save a life!
When it comes to construction site safety, visibility is paramount. With heavy machinery, moving vehicles and limited visibility, it's no surprise that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clear rules about high-visibility clothing, including safety vests. But what exactly does OSHA require? And how can ensuring compliance also protect your business and team?
Let's break it down.
OSHA's view on visibility: The Basics
OSHA does not specifically mandate the type of safety vest in its general construction standard. However, it does require workers to be visible when working in or near traffic or heavy equipment. Here's what that means:
29 CFR 1926.651(d): Employees exposed to vehicular traffic must wear high-visibility garments.
The General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) states that employers must provide a workplace that is free from recognised hazards, including poor visibility on job sites.
OSHA references standards from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to meet these requirements, particularly ANSI/ISEA 107, which classifies safety vests by performance levels.
ANSI Classes Explained
Safety vests are usually categorised into one of three ANSI classes, each of which has a specific intended use:
Class 1: For low-risk areas with minimal traffic. Not suitable for most construction sites.
Class 2: For work near roads or heavy equipment where visibility is crucial.
Class 3: For the highest-risk environments, such as highway work, night construction or areas with fast-moving vehicles.
Construction workers generally need Class 2 or Class 3 vests, depending on the conditions of their job. Class 3 vests offer the greatest visibility and are often required for night-time or high-speed road projects.
Why OSHA Compliance Matters
Failure to meet OSHA's safety gear requirements can result in:
- Fines and citations
- increased liability after accidents
- Higher insurance premiums
Reputational damage.
However, more importantly, non-compliance puts lives at risk. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 60% of fatal struck-by incidents in construction involve heavy equipment or vehicles. Reflective vests can literally mean the difference between being seen and being hit.
What to look for in a compliant safety vest:
When choosing vests for your team, ensure they have:
✅ ANSI/ISEA 107 certification
✅ Bright fluorescent colours (lime green, orange or red).
✅ Reflective tape for visibility from all angles
✅ Proper size and fit for wearing over clothing or gear
✅ durable fabric that can withstand tough conditions.
Visibility is not optional.
Although OSHA does not spell out every detail, its message is clear: workers on construction sites must be visible and protected. Whether it’s daylight or dusk, investing in high-quality safety vests is about more than just ticking boxes — it's about keeping your team safe and ensuring your company complies with regulations.
Need OSHA-compliant safety vests for your crew?
We stock a full range of ANSI-certified reflective vests designed for construction sites. Browse our catalogue today and kit out your team with gear that works as hard as they do.