Is your PPE really keeping workers safe?
Business leaders around the globe have realized that workplace safety isn't just good for people; it's also great for business. However, while safety has slowly made its way up the priority list for many organizations, some incorrectly believe they can take a set-and-forget approach.
While acknowledging the importance of safety is a great first step, it isn't enough. Companies that want to reap the rewards of improved workplace safety must continue with a consistent, thoughtful, and dedicated effort to reduce accidents effectively. A great example of this unfortunate disconnect is the high visibility vest, one of the industry's most common pieces of personal protective equipment.
The now common occurrence of integrating high-visibility workwear into company uniforms is a positive step forward. However, when PPE doubles as a uniform, it can present new issues. The excessive use and multiple cleanings with harsh detergents reduce the effectiveness of high visibility over time.
Abrasion and washing cause the reflective coating of high-visibility garments to wear off, gradually reducing the reflective performance. Eventually, the reflective tape may become so worn that it can no longer be detected. No detection means the garment is no longer PPE.
Therefore, high visibility clothing, an essential piece of personal protection, slowly becomes less effective and the risk to workers increases. In addition, most organizations have no policy for when to replace or how to test that high-visibility workwear is still adequate.
Thankfully, developing and implementing PPE standards for items like high-visibility vests is relatively easy.
Here are some best practices to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of the high-visibility in your workplace:
All safety garments with reflective material should meet a minimum performance standard and have a label with the standard and class number. ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 or EN ISO 20471:2013 certified Class 2 high-vis vests or an equivalent standard is recommended.
Garments should have reflective shoulder bands over each shoulder and one or two horizontal bands around the torso to ensure sufficient reflective material is visible when the wearer is side-on or crouched down.
Reflective vests and garments should always be zipped up.
The bands of reflective garments should be at least 50mm/2 inches wide.
Continuously replace high-vis workwear that is old, faded, or worn. High Vis PPE suppliers recommend garments are replaced every 6 months.
How SEEN can help
Well-maintained high-visibility workwear is essential to the health and safety workers, especially when working around mobile equipment like a forklift. Once companies have gotten the management of PPE under control, taking safety a step further by implementing forklift pedestrian sensors like the IRIS-860 from SEEN Safety is a no-brainer.
SEEN's pedestrian sensors detect the high-visibility workwear worn by employees and audibly alert forklift operators when a pedestrian enters a hazardous zone. The SEEN safety sensor is simple to use, painlessly integrates into any work environment, and is effective from day one. Schedule a demo today and see how SEEN's pedestrian detection sensors can take your workplace safety to the next level. Contact us today.
