Essential Tips for Picking the Right Construction Safety Vests

Hi-visibility vests are an indispensable safety feature of any workplace that takes place in or near a hazardous environment. Whether you’re working on a construction site, managing traffic, or loading boxes in a warehouse where visibility is critical, a hi-vis vest helps ensure that you stand out. Expertly crafted with bright, attention-grabbing colours, especially effective in low-light situations., 

Hi-vis safety vests are specifically designed to enhance visibility in poor lighting conditions, and they are available in two main categories: day vests ,and day/night vests. Day vests are intended for daytime use only, lacking reflective tape and typically made from fluorescent colours like yellow or orange. Day/night vests, on the other hand, are suitable for both daylight and low-light conditions, combining fluorescent colours with reflective strips for maximum visibility.

Scroll down to learn more, or browse Work Armour’s hi vis vests here.

Construction worker vests are most commonly referred to as hi-vis or high visibility vests, but they are sometimes also called safety vests or reflective vests. Regardless of its nomenclature, the humble construction safety vest is an extremely important addition to the work site. Wearing a vest enhances visibility and offers an extra layer of protection against potential workplace injuries. It's advised that you choose a vest that’s best suited to your specific work environment. Workarmour’s Hi-Vis safety vests combine high-quality safety with a chic modern aesthetic. Our vests are more than just essential safety gear—they reflect a commitment to blending contemporary design. Designed for comfort and practicality, they feature adjustable options for a secure fit. Their lightweight, breathable materials allow for easy movement, helping you stay focused on the job without feeling restricted, and their bright colours and reflective strips not only ensure safety but also present a professional appearance.

Safety vests most commonly come in fluorescent yellow and orange colours, though other colours, such as green, red, and navy, are not untypical. Such alternate colours offer reduced visibility compared to yellow and orange, so are better suited for better-lit and lower-risk work environments. 

Vests designed for higher visibility often feature additional reflective silver tape or piping. Safety vests are usually a solid colour, often fluorescent yellow or green. Some vests, however, feature a two-tone design, with  fluorescent background and the reflective silver stripe down the centre for enhanced visibility. While yellow hi-vis gear is more prevalent, orange hi-vis gear is highly recognizable and strongly associated with construction and other high-risk industries. Orange is also commonly used for road signs, cones, and other safety markers, reinforcing its connection to hazardous work environments.

When it comes to hi-vis vests, different colours are adopted by different sectors:

• Orange safety vests are widely used by construction workers, utility crews, and highway maintenance teams.
• Yellow safety vests are most commonly worn by school crossing guards and traffic control officers.
• Green safety vests are commonly used by surveyors and landscapers.
• Red safety vests are commonly worn by firefighters and emergency responders.

When purchasing hi-vis vests for your employees, we recommend factoring in the following important considerations:  

Choose the Right Colour: The colour of a construction vest plays a crucial role, as different colours are suited to various work environments. Dark, high-visibility vests are ideal for indoor jobs, such as in warehouses, while bright vests are more effective for outdoor settings. It’s also important that you select a colour that best suits your work site (see above for an indication of which colours suit which vocations).

Consider the Weather: Safety vests are lightweight enough to be comfortably worn over regular clothing all year round; but for more inclement weather, you may wish to consider something like a Hi Vis Lightweight Waterproof Vest.

Check High-Vis Clothing Regulations: Before purchasing high-visibility clothing, it's important that you review the safety regulations of your state. Individuals working in environments with moving equipment, traffic, or similar hazards typically need to wear coveralls or other forms of protective gear. This includes:

• Public safety workers
• Utility workers
• Maintenance crews
• Warehouse worker
• Construction workers

Consider Reflective Vest Fabric Options: You usually have the option to select from various fabrics for your safety vests. Consider the different reflective vest fabric options available to ensure you choose a material that meets the needs of your specific job. Polyester is a perennially popular choice for high-visibility construction vests, owing to its durability amidst demanding work conditions. 

Consider Comfort & Fit: Safety vests are available in a range of sizes and typically feature one of several closure mechanisms, such as a zipper or hook-and-loop fasteners. Hi-vis vests with zippers are reliably easy to use. Hi-vis vests with hook-and-loop fasteners are also convenient. 

Choose the Right Brand: Workcraft and Syzmik are recognized as two of top brands for high-quality construction workwear in Australia. Workarmour provides both Workcraft and Syzmik vests at affordable prices.

Waterproof & Windproof Frost Hi Vis Reversible Vest

This Waterproof & Windproof Frost Hi Vis Reversible Vest features a polar fleece with an anti-pill face, offering both durability and comfort. It is waterproof with a rating of 12,000mm on the high-visibility side and breathable with a 3,000mvp rating. The vest includes CSR 1303-6 reflective tape suitable for domestic washing and has hand warmer pockets on both sides for added convenience. It also features an embroidery access zipper on the side seam and an ID patch holder on the side pocket. The high-visibility side is designed for day/night use only, and the garment complies with the AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 standard.

Mens Hi Vis Lightweight Waterproof Vest

This Mens Hi Vis Lightweight Waterproof Vest features a fleece inner lining and side pockets for added comfort and convenience. It is fully seam-sealed to ensure durability and includes reflective tape for enhanced visibility. Additionally, it has an ID chest pocket for secure storage and is made from 100% 300D Oxford polyester, known for its strength and resilience.

Unisex Hi Vis Safety Vest With Shoulder Pattern Reflective Tape

The Unisex Hi Vis Safety Vest With Shoulder Pattern Reflective Tape features contrast binding and a hook-and-loop closure, making it suitable for both day and night use. It is equipped with CSR 1303-6 reflective tape that is designed for domestic washing. The vest complies with the AS/NZS 4602:1:2011 standard for safety, and is made from 100% polyester with a 120 gsm fabric weight, ensuring both durability and comfort.

Orange/Navy Unisex Hi Vis Softshell Vest

The Orange/Navy Unisex Hi Vis Softshell Vest features a clear ID pocket on the chest for easy identification and two covered side hip pockets to securely store your belongings. It also has a longer tail for additional protection against the elements. Made from 100% softshell material with a bonded fleece backing and a 310 gsm weight, it offers both durability and warmth.

At WorkArmour Solutions, we pride ourselves on offering smart choices for premium quality workwear. Our top priority is ensuring worker safety, and we proudly partner with businesses of all sizes to provide affordable safety uniform solutions that never compromise on quality. Work Armour stocks a selection of quality hi-vi vests, in addition to a wide range of other quality workwear options. If you need assistance with anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Work Armour directly.