Reflective clothing is necessary to ensure the safety of construction workers. Here’s a short guide on reflective apparel:
What are Reflective Construction T-Shirts Made Of
The safety vests and jackets worn by construction workers are built to reflect sunlight, UV rays, or any other light that falls on them. The material of this clothing ensures maximum visibility of the wearer. Reflective construction work t-shirts are made from different fabrics:
Polyester: It is durable, non-stretchable, and easy to clean. It also resists soaking up moisture, which is beneficial for workers in sweaty conditions.
Spandex: It is blended with polyester to create high-visibility apparel. Spandex is lightweight and retains its durability despite heavy wear and tear.
The reflective materials used in high-visibility clothing include:
Glass Beads: Tiny glass beads are embedded into the fabric to create a reflective surface.
Fluorescent Materials: Neon, orange, yellow, and red fabrics, which then react to UV rays to create a glowing effect.
Micro-prismatic Materials: This material uses tiny prisms to reflect light.
Benefits of Reflective Construction Work T-Shirts
Reflective construction work t-shirts offer a range of benefits, such as:
Enhanced Visibility: Reflective clothing ensures visibility at both daytime and nighttime. Construction workers often work in close proximity to heavy traffic. During low-visibility hours, drivers will be easily able to spot workers and quickly get out of their way.
OSHA Compliance: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created several guidelines to protect workers from accidents and injuries on the job. Wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) is necessary. Reflective clothing for construction workers comes under PPE, which means it is mandatory to wear. Failure to comply with OSHA regulations can lead to hefty fines and even complete closure of the project.
Reduced Accidents: A significant number of road accidents occur at dawn, dusk, or other times of the night. Hi-vis clothing immediately draws attention to a construction worker, reducing the chances of an accident.
Safety During Weather Hazards: Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, can be hazardous for construction workers who are working out in the open. Reflective clothing will help workers keep track of each other. Hi-vis apparel ensures safety and protection from weather elements.
Water Resistant: High visibility clothing is made from water-resistant fabrics. This will keep workers dry during rain and reduce downtime.
Tips to Buy Reflective Clothing
Reflective t-shirts for construction workers can be bought from various in-store retailers and online manufacturers. The clothing should meet the appropriate class level for the worker’s job duties. For example, class 1 is for workers who are not exposed to traffic, Class 2 is for workers who are exposed to traffic, and Class 3 is for workers who are exposed to high-speed traffic. Whether you’re buying for yourself or employees, keep the following tips in mind:
- The reflective tape should cover at least 20% of the garment’s front and back.
- The clothing should not restrict movement.
- The fabric should be breathable and must not absorb moisture.
- Choose materials that are durable and can withstand repeated washing.