If there's one thing I've learned in my years on the job, it's that safety isn't optional – it's a way of life. Working around heavy machinery, tight corners, blind spots, and fast-moving operations in warehouses or construction zones means that visibility is very important. It can mean the difference between going home at the end of the day or not. That's why I always wear my high-visibility reflective vest when I go out.
You can't avoid things you can't see.
Forklifts are loud, but there are lots of other noisy machines on a building site. With all the noise and activity, it's easy to miss someone walking behind you, especially if they're wearing plain clothes.
When I'm moving a lift with a full load, I often can't see very well. It's really useful to be able to spot a bright, reflective vest in a warehouse because it helps you to see better. It gives me a split second to hit the brakes or slow down. I rely on those vests to protect people, and I expect others to rely on mine too.
The vest is more than just a piece of fabric.
It's just a piece of equipment. It's not fancy (well, actually it is), and it's not going to win any fashion awards. The design is clever: the material uses neon for visibility during the day, and reflective strips for when there is not much light, like at night. When I wear my vest, I know I'm more noticeable, whether I'm walking across the yard or jumping off the lift to check a load.
It shows that they are a professional.
I am proud of the work I do. A reflective vest isn't just about safety—it tells everyone that I take the job seriously. It tells new employees, visitors and even management that safety is the most important thing. It's a standard we set and uphold for ourselves and for each other.
Things I've learnt the hard way
I've seen a lot of close calls. One day, a colleague walked behind my forklift without wearing a safety vest, and I only saw him at the last moment. It was shocking. That situation could have ended very differently. Since then, I've been the guy who reminds others to wear their PPE, even when they "just need to grab something real quick." Because "real quick" is all it takes.
Wearing a high-visibility reflective vest isn’t a hassle. It’s a habit. Just like checking my machine before each shift or keeping a clear path in my travel lanes. It's a simple action that shows respect for the job and for the people I work with.
So, if you ever see me without my vest on—well, you won’t. Because I won’t let that happen.