Working in the construction industry can sometimes be dangerous. There are around 150,000 injuries on construction job sites each year. Wearing proper safety gear can help keep you and those around you safe. 

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It can be challenging to know what type of safety apparel to wear if you work in the construction field. Construction vests, goggles, and hard hats are some of the things every worker should have in their closet. Even with that in mind, there are countless safety vest options. 

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to safety construction apparel. This guide will talk about our top seven tips for picking vests for your construction workers. Keep your employees visible and safe at all times. 

1. Pick the Right Color 

The color of the construction vest is important. Different colors are better suited for various work environments.

Dark, high-vis vests are suitable for jobs that are indoors, like warehouses. Bright vests are best for outdoor settings. The most common colors for safety vests include:

• Orange 
• Yellow
• Red
• Purple
• Blue

Orange and yellow are most frequently used by construction workers. 

2. Check the Classification

Construction job sites require vests to follow the safety requirements set by the American National Standards. Vests are grouped into three categories — Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. 

Class 1

These safety vests are best suited for construction workers in low-traffic areas. These job sites can also be found in spots where the speed limit is less than 25 MPH.

These vests are characterized by being orange or yellow. They also feature reflective tape that covers around 155 square inches. The tape goes over the shoulders and around the middle. 

Class 2

Workers in higher-risk environments need to wear class 2 vests. The speed limit in class 2 working areas is typically below 50 MPH. 

Class 2 vests are larger, giving the wearer increased visibility and coverage. They also require at least 775 square inches of orange or yellow fabric. They'll also have 201 square inches of tape. 

3. Think About the Weather

Wearing a safety vest is ideal for early fall, spring, and summer. Workers can stay comfortable when it's hot or slightly windy. 

You might want to explore other safety apparel options if your workers are outside when it's cold. Investing in highly visible winter clothing will keep your workers comfortable and safe during adverse weather conditions.

4. Explore Your Fabric Options

You should consider the vest's material along with the time of year your workers will be wearing it. The vest should be made from breathable fabric that's comfortable. Cotton and polyester fabrics give the wearer different benefits. 

Some of these include:

• Water-resistant
• Flame resistant

You can also choose to have the vests made from solid or mesh material. Some vests can be constructed from a combination of the two textiles. 

Mesh fabric can keep your workers cool on a hot day. Air can more easily flow through the vest through the small holes. 

Reflective material might be a great option if your workers are outside. Not only will they be more visible, but the reflective material will prevent their body heat from rising. 

5. Select the Right Printing Options

There are many printing selections you can choose from for your construction vests. You can opt to have printed text, your logo, or both included in the apparel. Popular printing choices include:

• Heat transfers
• Retroreflective printing
• Full-color printing
• Single-color printing in black

Whatever option you choose should contrast with the color of the safety vest. You want people to be able to see whatever it is you've printed on the vest. 

Black color text and logo are the best-suited and most legible options for construction vests. They're also the easiest way for construction companies to comply with ANSI standards. 

Some companies might not require complying with ANSI. However, following their standards ensures that your workers are visible and keeps them safe. 

Keep in mind that you still want your workers to be visible with their vests. Whatever text or graphics you have printed shouldn't cover a huge chunk of the fabric. 

6. Equip Your Vests With Many Features

Your construction vests should be as functional as they are visible. There are many add-ons you can include with your vests. 

Pockets

Pockets are great for keeping small tools and other items, like calculators and pencils. Explore vests that include multiple pockets. Pockets also give you additional space where you can print your logo. 

Safety Breakaways

Vests with safety breakaways mean the vest will come off the body when pulled with excessive force. This feature is essential for construction vests. It prevents horrific accidents from occurring if a vest gets tangled or caught in heavy equipment or machinery. 

Flame Resistant

Flame-resistant vests have self-extinguishing properties. They won't catch on fire if they get exposed to flames. This feature is necessary if your workers will be in a place where they might be around extreme temperature sources. 

7. Think About Who Is Wearing the Vest

Safety vests aren't always designed for every body type. For example, the average safety vest isn't designed to accommodate the female figure. The vests could be overly large or not fit in certain areas. 

Consider purchasing high-visibility construction vests for your female workers. You don't want your female workers to wear an overly large vest that's more at risk of getting caught in equipment. Some high-vis vests are also adjustable, allowing the wearer to further customize them. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Orange Safety Vest. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Follow Our Tips When Purchasing Construction Vests

Investing in premium construction vests is key to keeping your job site safe and compliant. Avoiding hefty fines or workplace accidents or deaths with a brightly colored vest. Partner with a reliable company for all your safety vests and apparel needs. 

Choosing the right safety vest is key to ensuring visibility and comfort on the job. Whether you’re in construction, warehousing, or transportation, the right vest helps keep you safe and compliant.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to select the best safety vest based on key factors like compliance, visibility class, fit, and material. We’ll help you choose the perfect vest for your needs, with expert advice on how to enhance your safety even further.

Once you’ve found the ideal vest, we’ll also introduce you to complementary safety gear to complete your setup. Let’s get started!

Explore our full range of safety vests here.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying Safety Vests

1. Compliance with Standards

In Europe, safety vests must comply with specific standards, such as the EN ISO standard for high-visibility clothing. This ensures that the vest meets visibility and durability requirements.

For more details, check our article: ANSI Safety Vest Standards Explained.

2. Type of Visibility Needed

Safety vests come in different visibility classes based on the amount of reflective material and background fabric. 

For example, Class 1 vests are suitable for warehouse operations, while Class 3 vests are designed for high-risk areas like highway construction. A visual comparison chart or infographic showing the distinctions between these classes can be especially helpful for better understanding. Choose the right class for your work environment:

• Class 1: Suitable for low-risk environments (e.g., warehouse operations).
• Class 2: Ideal for moderate-risk jobs (e.g., roadwork, delivery drivers).
• Class 3: Required for high-risk scenarios (e.g., highway construction).

Visual aids or infographics can help illustrate the differences between these classes.

3. Color and Reflectivity

The color of your safety vest can vary depending on your industry or job role. For instance, construction workers often wear orange vests to stand out against natural landscapes, while traffic control personnel use yellow vests for higher contrast against vehicles and roads. Common colors include fluorescent yellow, orange, and red, each serving different visibility purposes. For instance, orange vests are typically used in construction zones, while yellow vests are common in traffic control.

Reflective strips enhance visibility during low-light conditions, ensuring that workers remain visible even after dark or in dimly lit environments.

Understand what safety vest colors mean.

4. Fit and Comfort

An ill-fitting safety vest can hinder movement and reduce effectiveness. To ensure the right fit, measure your chest and waist using a tape measure and refer to the sizing chart. Ensure the vest fits snugly without restricting movement, and try it on over typical work attire to confirm comfort and functionality. Accurate measurement is key to ensuring a proper fit. Use the sizing chart below to find the best fit:

Tips for measuring:

• Use a tape measure to determine your chest and waist size.
• Ensure the vest fits snugly but allows free movement.

Guide to choosing the right size.

5. Material and Durability

The material of a safety vest determines its durability and suitability for specific environments. Popular options include:

• Polyester: Lightweight and affordable.
• Mesh fabric: Breathable and ideal for warm conditions.
• Cotton-blend: Comfortable for extended wear.

Each material suits different working conditions, so choose according to your environment.

Top European Safety Vest Suppliers

When quality and reliability are paramount, consider trusted suppliers such as Dimex, Portwest, and Helly Hansen. Each offers a variety of safety vests tailored to European standards.

Browse Dimex Safety Vests | Explore Portwest Catalog | View Helly Hansen Options

Industries That Benefit from Safety Vests

Safety vests are indispensable in sectors like:

• Construction: Workers need to remain visible amidst heavy machinery and dynamic site environments, where visibility is crucial to avoid accidents.: Workers need to remain visible amidst heavy machinery.
• Transportation: Ensures drivers and flaggers are visible.
• Manufacturing: Reduces risks in busy factory floors.
• Warehousing: Helps operators stay visible in low-light areas.

Discover related products for construction safety.

Related Safety Gear

While selecting your safety vest, consider complementary gear to enhance overall safety:

• Hi-Vis Jackets: Perfect for colder environments.
• Hi-Vis Pants: Provides full-body visibility.
• Cut Resistant Gloves: Essential for handling sharp objects.

Learn more about related gear in our guides:

• Hi-Vis Jackets: Selecting The Right Visibility Gear.
• How To Choose Hi-Vis Work Shirts.
• Selecting The Best Hi-Vis Overalls.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into selecting the right safety vest, from understanding visibility standards to choosing the ideal fit and material. Whether you’re working in construction, warehousing, or transportation, we’re here to support your safety needs.

Explore our full range of Safety Vests at Droppe, where trusted brands like Portwest, Helly Hansen, and Dimex are ready to meet your requirements.

Have any questions or need assistance in finding the perfect vest? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to ensure your safety and confidence with every purchase.

– The Droppe Team

For more information, please visit Construction Hi Vis Vest.

Frequently Asked Questions