Collisions. Drops. Falls. Slips. Shocks.
Anything literally can—and often does—happen on construction jobsites.
Due to the wide array of injuries that may transpire on the job, construction can be a very dangerous career path. As an example of the industry’s riskiness, 165,300 construction workers were injured on the job as recently as 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These injuries led to hospitalizations, early retirements and considerable downtimes, resulting in profit losses for employers. Thankfully, these injury risks can diminish though, particularly concerning injuries related to equipment, forklifts and trucks, along with other modes of transportation. How so? Two words: high-visibility vests.
Offered in an assortment of colors, high-visibility vests will help you stand out as you work in low visibility areas and conditions. Not only are they recommended at jobsites across the United States, but they’re also often required at many, too.
Why Buy High-visibility Vest?
The primary reason for this requirement is associated with American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) compliance. After all, the institute and association have discovered just how vital high-visibility work vests are, due to their various benefits, which simply can’t be overlooked.
They’re not only available in colors that will provide you a contrast in the areas you generally work in, but they also have reflective strips or tape that will reflect a high amount of light. Upon being reflected, the light will then return to automobile and truck drivers, along with forklift operators, so that they’ll immediately notice you while you’re conducting your work in low light or harsh weather conditions.
They’re also easy to put on and take off. Consequently, if you’re in a rush, prior to working in bad conditions, you’ll be able to wear your vests in a matter of seconds, upon arriving at your jobsite. And since they’re typically lightweight, you won’t even hardly feel them, even if you have to wear them for several hours.
In addition, high-visibility vests have breathable materials, enabling you to wear them in very hot temperatures. Yet, they can be worn in very cold temperatures too, as they’re highly flexible, allowing them to be worn over winter jackets.
To maintain your safety on the job at all hours of the day, while also noticing these other benefits, consider purchasing one of the following five high-visibility vests—sooner than later.
Dib Safety Class 2, High-visibility Safety Vest
Dib Safety Class 2, High-visibility Safety Vest.
ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 compliant, this safety vest is available in seven sizes, ranging from small to 4X-large. Offered in 10 colors, including classic neon orange and yellow, the vest also has reflective tape, ensuring you’re spotted by drivers and forklift operators at any time of the day, as you’ll be fully visible. Comprised of polyester, the vest is very durable, due to its pockets and zipper, which are fully supported with bartacks and rigid sewing. In all, the vest has two outside cargo pockets with flaps, a left chest cell phone and clear ID pocket, and a right chest pencil pocket that has four divisions.
Best Features: Cell phone and clear ID pocket; right chest pencil pocket with four divisions
Price: $11.99 – Buy high visibility vest on Amazon.com
JKSafety Class 2, High-visibility Safety Vest
JKSafety Class 2, High-visibility Safety Vest.
Offered in an astonishing 36 colors, including the classic neon orange and yellow you’ve come to expect with your high-visibility vests, this vest is also provided in seven sizes, ranging from medium to 5X-large. Simply put, it has been designed with nearly every construction worker in mind. Comprised of 100% polyester, the vest has 2-inch-wide reflective strips that cover its back, chest, shoulders and waist, resulting in 360-degree protection, no matter when you work. Highly breathable, durable and lightweight, the vest should be machine washed. Featuring nine front pockets that can be easily accessed, the ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 compliant vest also offers ample storage space.
Best Features: Thirty-six colors; nine front pockets
Price: $14.99 – Buy high visibility vest on Amazon.com
NEIKO Class 2, High-visibility Safety Vest
NEIKO High-visibility Safety Vest.
Comprised of 100% polyester mesh fabric, leading to high comfort, this vest is highly breathable and lightweight, enabling you to remain cool even on hot summer days. Featuring two vertical and two horizontal reflective strips on its back and front, each of which is 2 inches wide, the vest will ensure you remain highly visible. In fact, your visibility will remain high even if you have to work in very low light or severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain. Offered in only one color—the ever-classic fluorescent-yellow—the ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 compliant vest’s reflective strips are provided in two colors though: gray and orange.
Best Features: 100% polyester mesh fabric; reflective strips ensure safety, regardless of your working conditions
Price: $7.75 - $12.01 – Buy high visibility vest on Amazon.com
SKSAFETY Class 2, High-visibility Safety Vest
SKSAFETY Class 2, High-visibility Safety Vest.
Available in 13 colors and seven sizes, this vest utilizes Oxford cloth for its front material, leading to high durability, tear resistance and, in turn, a long lifespan. On the other hand, the vest’s back is comprised of lightweight polyester mesh, resulting in high breathability. Featuring 2-inch-wide high-reflective tape, which covers its back, chest, shoulders and waist, the vest will offer you 360-degree protection while you conduct your job tasks in low light. ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 compliant, the vest has various pockets, too. For instance, it features a left chest utility pocket, a right chest two-tier, four-division pencil pocket and two lower outside pockets, among others.
Best Features: Durable Oxford cloth for its frontside; lightweight polyester mesh for its backside
Price: $28.99 – Buy high visibility vest on Amazon.com
Tydon Guardian Class 2, Reflective Safety Vest
Tydon Guardian Class 2, Reflective Safety Vest.
Provided in several colors (18) and sizes (nine, ranging from small to 6X-large), this machine washable vest is comprised of 100% polyester tricot fabric, as it’s highly breathable and lightweight. Featuring 2-inch-wide reflective strips on its front and back, the high-visibility vest will offer you 360-degree protection as you conduct your job tasks in low light, as well as severe weather conditions, including torrential downpours. Additionally, the vest has five front pockets, resulting in a considerable amount of storage options, whether you need to carry your ID, keys, phone or small tools. And, like the other vests mentioned, it’s also ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 compliant.
Best Features: Eighteen colors and nine sizes; five front pockets for ample storage potential
Price: $10.99 - $11.99 – Buy high visibility vest on Amazon.com
Things to Know about a High-visibility Vest
What exactly does Class 2 mean, with regards to high-visibility vests?
As you likely noticed, each of the vests mentioned in this article are ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 compliant. Why? As a construction worker, you’ll often have to work in low light conditions and inclement weather. You’re often distracted from approaching traffic (especially traffic that’s travelling 25 mph or faster) too, due to the various tasks you have to complete. This compliance ensures that your high-visibility vest will get the attention of drivers who are driving at least 25 mph, thereby potentially saving your life.
As I purchase my next high-visibility vest, are orange or yellow necessary colors?
Some construction sites require these colors, yet others don’t. It simply depends on where you work. Orange and yellow tend to stand out the most, so they’re the most recommended. However, construction workers are purchasing a variety of other colors too—as some others provide a contrast, when compared to the backgrounds of their jobsites, as well.
How long will my high-visibility vest last?
If you maintain it, your vest will last for several months—possibly even years. They’re often built to last. Of course, if you want to purchase a highly durable, long-lasting vest, you may have to spend a few more dollars. But the investment will be worth it in the long run.
Pair these high-visibility vests with safety helmets for increased protection on the jobsite!
