What Class of Hi Vis Apparel Do Utility and Road Workers Need?

For organizations managing field crews in utilities, public works, and transportation, high-visibility apparel is not optional. It is a core safety requirement that helps protect employees working near moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and active roadways.

However, many organizations struggle to determine which class of high-visibility apparel their workers actually need. Understanding the correct classification is essential for maintaining safety compliance and ensuring employees are properly protected in different work environments.

High-visibility apparel is regulated under the ANSI 107 standard, which defines the amount of reflective material and background fabric required for garments used in hazardous environments.

For utility and road workers, the most common classifications are Class 2 and Class 3.

Understanding ANSI High Visibility Classes

ANSI standards categorize high visibility garments based on the level of visibility required for specific work conditions.

Each class reflects factors such as:

• Traffic speed in the work area
• Distance between workers and moving vehicles
• Environmental visibility conditions
• The complexity of the work zone

Selecting the correct class helps reduce the risk of accidents by making workers easier to see in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Class 2 Hi Vis Apparel

Class 2 high-visibility apparel is commonly used for workers who operate near traffic moving at moderate speeds or who work in environments where visibility risks are present but not extreme.

Typical examples include:

• Utility field crews
• Survey teams
• Airport ground crews
• Warehouse workers near moving vehicles

Class 2 garments typically include:

• High visibility safety vests
• Short-sleeve safety shirts
• Long-sleeve reflective shirts

These garments provide increased visibility while still allowing flexibility and comfort during active work.

Class 3 Hi Vis Apparel

Class 3 high-visibility apparel provides the highest level of visibility protection under ANSI standards.

It is designed for workers operating near high-speed traffic or in environments where workers must be visible from longer distances.

Examples of workers who often require Class 3 apparel include:

• Highway construction crews
• Road maintenance teams
• Emergency responders working on roadways
• Utility workers operating along busy highways

Class 3 garments provide additional reflective coverage and often include sleeves to increase visibility from all angles.

Common examples include:

• High visibility jackets
• Reflective long-sleeve shirts
• High-visibility rain gear

These garments are especially important for workers who perform tasks in low light conditions, night work zones, or severe weather.

Why Proper Classification Matters

Choosing the wrong class of high-visibility apparel can create safety risks and compliance concerns.

For organizations managing large uniformed workforces, ensuring the correct apparel is issued to each job role requires clear policy enforcement and visibility across the program.

This is where a managed uniform program becomes valuable.

A structured, uniform program ensures that employees only have access to safety apparel that aligns with their job role and workplace requirements. By applying role-based catalogs and program controls, organizations can maintain compliance while simplifying uniform distribution.

Managing High-Visibility Uniform Programs at Scale

Utility companies, transportation departments, and public works agencies often manage uniforms for hundreds or even thousands of employees across multiple job roles.

Without a structured system in place, issues can quickly arise, such as:

• Employees ordering incorrect safety gear
• Inconsistent apparel standards between departments
• Lack of visibility into uniform spending

A centralized uniform management platform helps enforce program rules, streamline ordering, and provide better oversight of safety apparel across the organization.

Supporting Safety Through Smarter Uniform Programs

High-visibility apparel plays a critical role in protecting workers who operate near traffic and hazardous environments. Understanding ANSI classifications and ensuring the right gear is available to the right employees helps reduce risk and support compliance.

For organizations managing large uniformed workforces, a structured uniform program supported by a centralized management system can simplify how safety apparel is selected, distributed, and monitored across the entire organization.

Schedule a consult with Unitec to learn how a managed uniform program can help your organization maintain safety compliance while simplifying uniform management.