The number one concern for many occupations and volunteer work is safety. Purchasing and utilizing safety vests is a very inexpensive and effective methods of remaining injury free during the course of many types of employment and activities which may involve moving equipment or vehicles, heavy traffic or visibility issues. Buying these for personnel will also keep insurance premiums low and employees working on the job at hand.

Standards and specifications of this clothing article were put in place by the group known as the International Safety Equipment Association in June of 1999. This organization laid out the specific requirements for wearing this article for varying jobs and scenarios.

Having these articles on hand will make employees much more visible to other individuals, traffic and heavy-duty machinery. The reflecting bands will help give even more visibility during the brightest times of the day and in the evening and at night when visibility is extremely limited. These garments will also help identify individuals as being part of a distinct group. For example, PTA members who guide traffic before a meeting may wear these garments to specify that they are in charge of parking and traffic flow. A police crossing guard may use one to make him more visible to oncoming vehicles and also mark him as someone in authority.

Workers who need these safety garments include airport personnel, traffic control employees, road workers, school patrols, construction employees, warehouse workers, security guards and traffic management individuals. It is also wise for individuals who travel often to keep one of these in the trunk or storage area of their vehicles in case of engine trouble, a flat tire, or an emergency which requires traffic control after an incident or accident.

The most common colors used are yellow and orange. Blue and red can also be obtained for high visibility. The addition of reflective tape adds to the overall visibility of the garment. They are usually of very lightweight, flame-resistant material so they do not become hot and burdensome to the wearer. Logos and inscriptions can be added for identification purposes during use which is especially helpful if there is more than one company or business that is using the exact same style in the immediate area.

There are other styles of these available, the most common being the tee shirt style which does not require the wearing of anything underneath. It is even more effective as the wearers can be seen more effectively from side views also. Swatches or bands of this type of fabric can also be purchased to tie onto strollers, light moving equipment or bicycles.

Uniform and hardware stores, as well as building supply outlets, will be able to supply businesses and individuals with these items. They can also be found online on many industrial supply websites. Choose the vest that best fits the use and the type of individuals who will be wearing it.

Just knowing that your employees or loved ones will be wearing this type of garment will give management and families peace of mind. They will be made visible to traffic, other employees or individuals who may not otherwise see them, and identify them as part of a significant group that is on a specific assignment or job.