By Parker According to a New Zealand case-control research, the population attributable risks for not wearing bright or fluorescent clothing were 33%, which suggests that one-third of motorcycle accidents could have been prevented with high-visibility apparel. Hi Vis vests are essential for workers in low visibility conditions in various industries, including construction, transportation, and security. This article from Workdepot will cover the different types of Hi Vis vests, printing options, and branding suggestions
High vis vest types:
Hi-Vis vests come in various styles, each tailored to satisfy a specific need. Here are a few examples of the most common styles :
- Day-Only Vests – These vests are designed to provide visibility to the wearer during daylight hours. Apart from the absence of reflective tape which add to the reflective properties of the vest, day-only vests typically have a lower level of reflective material compared to vests designed for nighttime use, so they may not be suitable for low-light conditions. It is important to choose the appropriate vest for the working environment and the time of day to ensure optimal visibility and safety.
- Day Night Vests – Day night vests, also known as 24-hour vests, are designed to be used in a variety of lighting conditions. These vests are constructed with high-visibility fluorescent material, similar to day-only vests, but they also have a higher level of reflectivity owing to the reflective tape that the vest houses. Day-night vests provide the wearer with the flexibility to use them in different lighting conditions, which can be especially useful for workers who may need to work both during the day and at night. They are commonly used in industries such as road construction, traffic control, and emergency services, where workers need to be visible and safe regardless of the time of day.
Statutory warning: It is important to note that while day-night vests can be used in a variety of lighting conditions, they may not provide optimal visibility in extremely low light or complete darkness. In such cases, additional lighting sources, such as flashlights or reflective tape, may be necessary to ensure maximum visibility and safety.
- Identification Vests – Identification vests are designed to be worn by security professionals, traffic control workers, and other workers who need to be easily identified at the workplace. These vests usually bear the worker’s name and the corporate logo, or other identifying information printed on them
Hi Vis Vest Printing Options:
To personalise your Hi Vis vests, Workdepot have numerous printing possibilities, including:
- Sublimation printing is a technique of printing in which the ink is converted into a gas and then injected into the fabric of the vest. This printing method produces a high-quality, long-lasting print that will not fade or crack over time, because the technique dyes the garment itself, rather than sticking ink onto the surface.
- Screen printing: Screen printing is a printing technique in which ink is forced through a stencil onto the garment. This printing method is inexpensive and may be used to make huge quantities of vests with uniform print quality. Generally preferred for bulk customisation of garments.
- Digital Printing: Digital printing is a technique in which a picture is printed directly onto the vest using a digital printer. This printing method produces high-quality, intricate prints and is best suited for limited numbers of vests.
Best Printing for High Visibility Vests
Sublimation printing is the ideal alternative for Hi Vis vests. This is due to the fact that sublimation printing employs a dye, rather than an ink, that is incorporated into the fabric of the vest. Workdepot’s workwear printing produces results in a high-quality, long-lasting print that will not fade or crack with time.
Hi Vis Vest Branding Ideas
There are numerous options to personalise your Hi Vis vests, including:
Company Logo – To promote your brand and make you stand out from the crowd, a company logo can be placed on the front and back of the vest.
Employee Names – Adding the employee’s name to each vest might help to foster teamwork and boost employee happiness.
Printing a safety message on the back of the vest can assist reinforce safety messaging and urge staff to work safely.
Where to Get Custom Hi Vis Vests
There are a number of suppliers who offer custom Hi Vis vests. However, only a few will be able to help you with supply as well as customisation. Workdepot, an Australian workwear and hi vis vest supplier, come with a history of supplying hi-vis since 2010 and can help you make decisions a reality.
In conclusion, Hi Vis vests are an essential item of PPE for workers who need to be visible while working in low light or at night. With the many types of Hi Vis vests available, as well as the various printing options, it’s easy to find a vest that fits your needs. Sublimation printing is the best choice for printing Hi Vis vests due to its long-lasting, high-quality print. Consider branding with your company logo, employee names, or a safety message to personalise your vests.