Who Is Required to Wear a Hi-Vis Vest? OSHA Requirements Explained
High-visibility apparel requirements in the United States are governed by OSHA regulations and the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard. Understanding who is required to wear hi-vis PPE — and at what class — is essential for employer compliance and worker safety.
OSHA's General Requirement
OSHA does not have a single, universal hi-vis standard. Instead, requirements are embedded in industry-specific standards. The key regulation is 23 CFR Part 634, which applies to all workers in the right-of-way of federal-aid highways and requires ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or Class 3 apparel.
Construction (29 CFR 1926)
OSHA's construction standards require workers exposed to vehicular traffic to wear high-visibility apparel. The specific class depends on traffic speed and proximity. Most highway construction workers require Class 2 or Class 3.
General Industry (29 CFR 1910)
General industry standards require employers to assess hazards and provide appropriate PPE. In environments with forklift traffic, moving vehicles, or low-light conditions, hi-vis vests are typically required under the PPE hazard assessment requirement (29 CFR 1910.132).
MUTCD Requirements for Flaggers
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requires flaggers to wear Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility apparel. This applies to all flagging operations on public roads.
State-Level Requirements
Many states have additional hi-vis requirements beyond federal OSHA standards. Always check your state's OSHA plan for supplemental requirements.
Conclusion
When in doubt, provide a higher class of hi-vis protection. RANOVA USA offers Class 1, 2, and 3 vests and full garments to keep your workforce compliant with all applicable regulations.
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