Why do construction workers wear a safety vest?

If you have ever been to or worked near a construction site, you will notice that most workers wear a construction vest, and you may be asking yourself why they wear such a safety vest. Look no further in your quest for the answer; in this article, we will tell you why workers wear a construction vest at their work site and why it has to be so.

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What is a construction vest?

A construction vest can also be called a safety vest. It is a lightweight garment made from a reflective material and typically comes in a slew of bright colors. On the construction site, the safety vest is mainly worn by the road flaggers, construction workers, and emergency team members. In most construction sites, this safety vest is made mandatory for all to use.

What is the use of the construction safety vest?

A construction vest helps to alert other people that there is another human in their field of vision. Its major work is to warn people of their presence within the location; if an incoming vehicle is within your location, your presence with the construction safety vest will make the driver see you while on the steering. Seeing you will prevent any risk of collision at that time.

When are we to wear the construction vest?

Construction vests can be worn at any time, whether day or night, as long as you are on the construction site where there is a risk of collisions between people and mobile equipment, between people and vehicles, or between people with fellow workers doing their work at that time.

If you are doing any work with the risk of an accident, you will need to wear the construction safety vest. It will help the wearer be seen and alert that a person is present, especially in a location with poor visibility.

A safety vest is helpful as it is life-saving equipment against the collision of people with equipment on site.

Are safety vests used only on construction sites?

Safety vests can be used in different industries that have the potential to cause harm to people through mobile equipment or vehicles. Such sectors include factories, warehousing facilities, Road safety personnel, etc.

Can construction safety vests come in different colors?

Yes, the vest can come in different colors, but the main thing is that it has reflective properties in the body.

Three classes of safety vests.

Class 1 Safety vest.

Class 1 has a very bright reflective material that can be used on sunny days. They are mainly for those working in low-impact areas, including areas with traffic at most 25mph. They are typically used by delivery drivers and roadside assistant personnel in low-traffic areas.

Class 2 safety vest.

Class 2 has very high visibility and can be used in areas with poor visibility and where the weather may reduce visibility. It can also be used in areas where the traffic flow may exceed 25mph. It was even made a mandatory law that every construction worker working on a federal road should wear a class 2 or 3 safety vest.

Class 3 safety vest

Class 3 safety vests have very high visibility and are used in those areas close to high traffic areas in a manner that the traffic may exceed 50 mph. These people can wear the class 3 vest, such as the site inspectors, railway workers, utility crews, and emergency responders.

Where can I buy a construction safety vest?

So many platforms sell construction safety vests online or offline; if you need them, you can search them out here.

Conclusion

If safety means a lot to you, you’ll try to procure a safety vest for your subsequent construction work. But then, ensure you purchase the right one for your needs, as some are used during the day and others at night. And some are used in different traffic situations.

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Onyekachi Emmanuel

Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.