High visibility means that people, or objects, are much easier to see. This reduces the likelihood of them being accidentally hit or being stood in the wrong place at the wrong time. Of course, even the best hi-vis workwear can’t protect against all potential issues.
But, it will make you feel safer and improve your chances of getting through each day unscathed. While it is an optional and sensible requirement for many professions, there are some occupations where you’ll find it obligatory to wear hi-vis.
These professions are the ones that are most dangerous and likely to result in injury or death. It’s worth remembering that if you’re considering a career move!
Here are some of the most popular occupations that require hi-vis clothing:
- Emergency Services
Police, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel all need to be seen. Whether they’re directing traffic or trying to save lives, they are likely to be putting themselves in harm’s way. The hi-vis clothing will help them to be seen.
This ensures they are identifiable and can help to protect them from being injured in the line of duty.
- Parking Attendants
Parking attendants spend all of their days on the streets looking for drivers that aren’t obeying the laws. They are not normally popular. This makes the hi-vis an absolute necessity as they don’t want to be ‘accidentally’ run over because they couldn’t be seen.
It also marks them as a professional and ensures people are aware of their presence, potentially allowing them to take appropriate action before the attendant reaches them.
- Railway Workers
Although railway workers shouldn’t face too many issues from the general public, it is possible they’ll be working on level crossings. They are also dealing with trains that operate at very high speeds. That’s why it’s essential they are seen, potentially preventing accidents from happening.
- Road Maintenance Crews
This is possibly the most dangerous of all the occupations as road workers are constantly putting themselves in front of speeding motorists. It’s essential that they are seen as early as possible so that motorists can avoid hitting them.
- Crossing Guards
Crossing guards need to be seen in order to ensure the traffic stops when they step into the road. They also need to stand out so that pedestrians know where it is safe to cross.
This is not exhaustive, there are plenty of other occupations where hi-vis must be worn:
- Coastguards
- Oil Rig Workers
- Fishermen
- Environmental Workers
The list goes on. In short, any profession that puts the worker in harm’s way can benefit from hi-vis clothing. It reduces the likelihood that an accident will happen as the worker becomes more visible. But, it doesn’t eliminate the risk. That’s why it’s essential companies continue to perform risk assessments and train their employees properly.
Of course, you don’t need to be in an obligatory profession to wear hi-vis. They improve visibility, even if that’s just to track your employees on-site. If you feel it’s beneficial it’s worth insisting on your staff wearing hi-vis.
Posts by SpeakBindas Editorial Team.