Do Employers Have to Provide High-Vis Clothing for Their Workers?
High-visibility (hi-vis) clothing plays a crucial role in workplace safety, particularly in industries such as construction, roadwork, and warehousing. Employers are generally responsible for ensuring that workers have the necessary PPE (personal protective equipment) to stay safe on the job. But are they legally required to provide hi-vis clothing?
Employer Responsibilities for High-Vis Clothing
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates that employers provide PPE at no cost to employees when it is required to protect them from workplace hazards. Hi-vis clothing falls under this category when it is necessary to ensure worker visibility in dangerous environments, such as areas with moving vehicles or heavy machinery. In these cases, employers must provide and maintain appropriate high-visibility apparel.
The specific requirements may vary depending on industry regulations and state laws. Employers should consult OSHA’s standards (29 CFR 1910.132 for general PPE requirements and ANSI/ISEA 107 for high-visibility safety apparel) to determine their obligations.
Is There Any PPE That Employers Are Not Required to Provide?
While OSHA requires employers to supply most PPE, there are exceptions. Employers are not required to pay for or provide the following types of protective gear:
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Non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (e.g., steel-toe boots) – If the footwear can be worn outside of work and is not job-specific, the cost typically falls on the employee.
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Non-specialty prescription safety eyewear – Employees who require prescription lenses must usually cover the cost themselves, unless the employer provides over-glasses safety goggles.
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Everyday work clothing – Standard work attire, such as regular uniforms, coats, and normal outdoor weather gear, is not classified as PPE.
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Personal items for hygiene or comfort – Items like sunscreen, ordinary glasses, and sweatbands are typically not covered under employer-provided PPE.
Ensuring Compliance and Worker Safety
Employers should conduct a hazard assessment to determine what PPE is necessary and ensure compliance with OSHA standards. When high-visibility clothing is required, providing ANSI-compliant gear ensures workers are protected and visible in high-risk areas.
Need Help with PPE Compliance?
At Advanced Safety Supply, we provide a wide range of ANSI-compliant high-visibility clothing and PPE solutions to help your business stay compliant and keep workers safe. Contact us today to learn more about our PPE offerings and training services!
