Reflective workwear is the key to safety

What is reflective workwear and why is it essential for workplace safety?

Reflective workwear consists of specialized pieces of equipment designed to improve workers' visibility in poorly lit or challenging work environments. Its use is essential in many sectors, such as construction, transport, and warehousing, as it provides workers with increased safety and protection.

The importance and benefits of reflective workwear

Increased visibility and safety

Reflective workwear is crucial for reducing the risk of accidents. According to data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workers wearing reflective clothing are exposed to an average of 30% less risk of workplace accidents, particularly in environments with heavy traffic or poor visibility.

Reducing costs for companies

With shorter periods of absence due to injuries and fewer compensation claims, companies can reduce costs by increasing workplace safety. Reflective clothing is therefore often part of a broader strategy to reduce operating costs and increase productivity.

Where is reflective workwear most commonly used?

• Construction: Areas with a high risk of collisions with machinery.
• Transport: Driving in poor weather conditions.
• Warehouses: Working near vehicles and heavy equipment.

Different levels of visibility

Various standards for reflective clothing determine the level of visibility according to working conditions. In Slovenia and worldwide, the most commonly used standard is EN ISO 20471, which sets requirements for visibility of clothing, categorized into classes 1 to 3, with class 3 providing the highest level of visibility.

Table: visibility levels according to EN ISO 20471

Class	Visibility Level	Typical Use
1	Low visibility	Warehouses, light industry
2	Medium visibility	Logistics, urban construction sites
3	High visibility	Road construction, transport

Key elements of reflective workwear

1. Reflective strips: placed around sleeves, legs, or torso to ensure visibility from all angles.
2. Fluorescent color: usually yellow, orange, or red to enhance daytime visibility.
3. Material: durable materials that resist scratches and other forms of wear.

Why choose certified reflective workwear?

When selecting workwear, it is crucial that the clothing is certified to the EN ISO 20471 standard, as this ensures proper quality and compliance with European standards. Additional guidelines regarding safety standards can be found on the website of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).

How to choose the right reflective workwear?

1. Adaptation to work conditions

Choose clothing suitable for specific working conditions and environments. For example, for night work, we recommend clothing with additional reflective elements.

2. Proper size and comfort

Ensure that workwear is comfortable for prolonged wear, which contributes to greater productivity.

3. Maintenance and cleanliness

Dirty reflective clothing loses its effectiveness. Regular cleaning is essential to extend the lifespan and improve the functionality of the clothing.

Conclusion

Reflective workwear is not merely an accessory but a key element of safety in hazardous work environments. By choosing and maintaining this clothing properly, you can significantly improve workplace safety and comfort. Although the costs may be higher, this investment in safety always pays off.

For more information and additional workplace safety guidelines, see the work equipment guidelines on the Pharsol Protect website.