What Is the Best High-Visibility Color to Wear For Work?

By ShirtSpace | Jun 06, 2023 |  Updated Jun 07, 2023

In industries where safety is a top priority, high-visibility clothing plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of workers. High-visibility colors are neons designed to make individuals more easily seen in various work environments. In this article, we will explore the importance of high-vis colors, delve into the top choices for industrial settings, discuss how to choose the right color for your industry and provide information on where to purchase high-quality hi-vis shirts. ShirtSpace, a trusted workwear provider, offers a wide range of high-visibility styles that meet the necessary safety standards.

Understanding High-Visibility Colors

Hoodies pictured: Hanes P170 EcoSmart® - Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt in “safety pink”, “safety green” and “safety orange”.

High-vis colors are vibrant hues that stand out against most backgrounds, making workers more visible in low-light conditions, inclement weather, or busy work environments. These colors are commonly used in construction, roadwork, transportation, and warehouse operations. High-visibility clothing aims to alert others to the presence of individuals, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer work environment.

Top High-Visibility Colors for Industrial Settings

Shirts pictured: Hanes WW110 in “safety green”, “safety orange” and “safety pink”.

You may think high visibility includes all bright, neon colors, but that is not always the case. Certain colors are suited for particular industries, so you must understand what each color signifies and choose accordingly for your industry and planned use. 

What Colors Are Considered High-Visibility? 

Several colors are recognized as high-visibility options, each offering distinct advantages in different environments. These colors include safety yellow (sometimes called safety green, but it is distinctly different from “neon green”), safety orange, and bright red. Safety pink is another high-vis color, but it is not ANSI-ISEA or OSHA-compliant.

Keep reading to learn about high-vis colors often used for workplace uniforms and settings requiring safety gear. 

Safety Yellow

Shirt pictured: Hanes W110 in “safety green”.

Fluorescent or safety yellow is one of the most widely recognized high-vis colors. It provides excellent contrast against many backgrounds and is highly visible even in low-light conditions. This color is often preferred for its conspicuousness and suitability across various industries. It is also used often for roadside athletic activities. 

Safety Orange

Shirt pictured: CornerStone CS200 ANSI 107 Class 2 Mesh Tee in “safety orange”.

Fluorescent or safety orange is another popular high-visibility color that offers excellent contrast and visibility. It is particularly effective in environments where there may be potential hazards or risks involved. The bright orange hue stands out well against different backgrounds, making it ideal for construction sites and roadwork.

Safety Pink

Shirt pictured: Hanes W110 in “safety pink”.

Fluorescent, or safety pink, is a high-visibility color growing in popularity. More and more states are allowing safety pink as a color suitable for hunting gear. It’s also used for athletic events such as fundraising walks and runs. Remember that although safety pink can be used for hunting and other professional settings, it is not included in the list of OSHA high-vis colors.

Bright Red

Image credit: Baloncici of Getty Images

Bright red is a vibrant color that enhances visibility. While it may not be as common as fluorescent yellow or orange, it can be advantageous in certain situations. Red is often utilized in industries where the presence of workers needs to be highly visible, such as firefighting or emergency response. An example of this red can be seen with the Kishigo B150-156 EV Series® Enhanced Visibility 3 Pocket Mesh Vest.

Choosing the Right Hi-Vis Color for Your Industry

Hoodie pictured: CornerStone CSF01 Enhanced Visibility Fleece Pullover Hoodie in “safety yellow”.

You may now be wondering, which high-vis color do I need? Well, that depends. Selecting the appropriate high-visibility color for your industry is crucial to ensure maximum visibility and compliance with safety regulations. Sometimes the high-vis color depends on what workwear or PPE (personal protection equipment) you need. Also, who enforces these safety standards? The American National Standards Institute enforces ANSI/ISEA 107 -2020 standards, and OSHA, that’s who! So it’s best always to play it safe and comply with laws for legal protection and your own safety! 

Requirements can range all the way from a simple high-vis t-shirt to a mesh vest or even heavy-duty coats and coveralls. Factors to consider include the work environment, lighting conditions, and specific industry standards.

For another example, the safety jacket color code in construction often mandates the use of fluorescent orange or safety yellow. And some industries require reflective elements to make the workwear even more visible. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the OSHA-approved high-visibility colors and any industry-specific requirements before choosing.

What is the Best High-Visibility Color?

There is no high-vis color that is better than another. It depends on what industry you work in. Always check what your employer requires for on-the-job safety apparel.

• Safety yellow and orange are the most commonly used high-vis colors that we see in industries such as: construction, roadwork, traffic control, transportation, emergency services, utility work and maintenance, railways, aviation, mining, heavy machine operation, manufacturing, warehouse work, and landscaping. 

• Bright red can also be used in most industries, but we see it most often worn by emergency personnel.

Hat pictured: Big Accessories BA661 Safety Trucker Cap in “neon yellow/neon orange:”

Where to Buy High-Quality Hi-Vis Shirts & More

ShirtSpace is a reputable supplier of high-quality neon shirts and workwear. They offer various high-visibility styles that meet the necessary safety standards and come in various colors, including fluorescent yellow, orange, and red. Whether you need short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts, jackets, or vests, ShirtSpace provides a diverse selection to cater to different industry needs.

Shirt pictured: CornerStone CS202 in “safety yellow”.

Conclusion

When choosing the best high-visibility color for work, factors such as visibility, industry standards, and specific work environments play a significant role. Fluorescent yellow, orange, and red are among the most widely recognized high-visibility colors, offering distinct advantages in different settings.

Remember to familiarize yourself with OSHA-approved high-vis colors and any industry-specific requirements to ensure compliance. ShirtSpace is an excellent source for high-quality hi-vis shirts and workwear, providing a comprehensive selection of styles and colors to meet your needs and keep you safe on the job.

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