Which industries can benefit from high-vis clothing?

High-visibility workwear is a crucial element of safety clothing in many industries. Whether it’s for construction workers, emergency responders, roadside workers or school playground supervisors – wearing the right PPE-compliant gear ensures people are much more easily seen in potentially hazardous environments. But which industries truly benefit from high-visibility workwear, and why is it so essential?

 In this blog, we’ll explore the different sectors that rely on high-vis clothing, discuss the UK standards for safety clothing, and explain how businesses can stay compliant with workplace regulations.

Why is high-visibility workwear important?

The primary function of high-visibility workwear is to increase visibility in low-light or high-risk environments, or where it is necessary to easily identify a worker in potentially crowded areas – thus saving time on recognising persons with responsibility for safety, controlling incidents and reducing the likelihood of accidents. Reflective materials, combined with fluorescent colours, make wearers stand out in daylight, at night, and in poor weather conditions.

In the UK, safety clothing for high-risk work environments must comply with EN ISO 20471, the official workplace regulations standard for PPE compliance. This ensures high-visibility workwear meets the required levels of brightness and reflectivity to keep workers safe. It is therefore important, when purchasing high-visibility workwear, to ensure it is compliant with this standard.

Different industries require different types of safety clothing, depending on the work environment. Let’s take a look at the key sectors where high-visibility workwear is essential.

1. Construction and engineering

One of the most well-known industries for high-visibility workwear, construction workers must wear PPE-compliant safety gear at all times on-site. With heavy machinery, moving vehicles, and high-risk tasks, safety clothing ensures workers are easily spotted, reducing the risk of accidents.

What they should wear:

• High-vis jackets and trousers – Essential for site workers, especially in low-light conditions.
• Reflective vests – Worn over standard workwear for visibility in busy environments.
• Hi-vis hard hats – Combining head protection with high-visibility elements for added safety.

2. Roadside and rail workers

Anyone working near moving vehicles, whether on roads or railways, needs high-visibility workwear to prevent accidents. Roadside recovery workers, railway engineers, and highway maintenance teams all rely on safety clothing to ensure drivers can spot them from a distance.

What they should wear:

• Full-body high-vis suits – Ideal for extreme weather conditions and maximum visibility.
• Hi-vis coveralls with reflective stripes – To remain visible in both day and night conditions.
• Weatherproof high-vis coats – Protecting against rain, wind, and cold while ensuring visibility.

3. Schools and education

Schools and nurseries may not seem like an obvious setting for high-visibility workwear, but safety clothing is crucial for keeping staff and students safe on trips, during outdoor activities, or near busy roads.

What they should wear:

• High-vis vests for school staff and supervisors – Ensuring children can easily spot adults on school trips.
• Reflective armbands or high-vis vests for children – Helping them stay visible when walking near roads, or on school trips.
• Hi-vis jackets for crossing patrol officers – Making them visible to drivers when assisting children across roads.

4. Environmental charities and conservation work

Environmental charity workers, such as park rangers, litter-picking volunteers, and conservationists, often work in rural areas where visibility is crucial for safety. Whether working near roads, in forests, or along coastlines, high-visibility workwear helps ensure they remain seen.

What they should wear:

• Hi-vis tabards or vests – Lightweight options for volunteers and charity workers.
• Weatherproof high-vis jackets – Essential for conservation teams working in remote areas.
• Reflective trousers – Providing additional visibility in high-risk locations.

5. Warehouses and logistics

In warehouses, factories, and distribution centres, workers often operate near forklifts, heavy machinery, and fast-moving stock. Safety clothing is vital for ensuring employees can be seen by machine operators, reducing the risk of collisions.

What they should wear:

• Hi-vis waistcoats or vests – Standard issue for warehouse workers and forklift operators.
• High-vis polo shirts and jackets – Comfortable yet compliant options for employees in logistics.
• Reflective trousers – Enhancing visibility in busy storage and dispatch areas.

6. Emergency services and first responders

Police officers, paramedics, and firefighters all rely on high-visibility workwear to ensure they are easily identifiable in emergencies. Their safety clothing not only makes them visible to the public but also helps protect them in high-risk situations.

What they should wear:

• Hi-vis jackets and trousers with reflective markings – Worn by police, paramedics, and fire crews.
• Flame-resistant high-vis suits – Essential for firefighters and hazardous rescue teams.
• High-vis vests for event security staff – Keeping them visible in crowded areas.

7. Aviation and airport staff

Airport ground crews, baggage handlers, and runway personnel require PPE-compliant high-visibility workwear to remain safe in environments with moving aircraft and vehicles.

What they should wear:

• Hi-vis overalls – Ensuring complete visibility on runways and airfields.
• Reflective ear defenders – Providing protection from noise while ensuring visibility.
• High-vis vests with company branding – Helping identify staff while maintaining safety standards.

How phs Besafe can support businesses with high-visibility workwear

At phs Besafe, we provide PPE-compliant high-visibility workwear tailored to different industries. From safety clothing for construction workers to reflective vests for school staff, we ensure businesses meet workplace regulations while keeping their employees safe.

Our services include:

A wide range of high-visibility workwear – From top-quality high-visibility jackets to full-body coveralls, we supply high-quality high-visibility workwear, offering maximum comfort and durability.

Workwear laundry service – Our laundry service ensures your safety clothing is cleaned, repaired, and replaced when needed.

PPE compliance support – We help businesses meet UK workplace regulations and PPE compliance requirements.

High-visibility workwear is essential across a wide range of industries, from construction and roadside work to education and conservation. Wearing the correct safety clothing ensures workers remain visible in high-risk environments, helping prevent accidents and ensuring PPE compliance.

Contact our experts today to explore our full range of safety clothing and find the right solutions for your industry.