BOC - High Visibility Wear in the Workplace

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Before doing any work it's important that you conduct a risk assessment to identify when and where the clothing will be worn and what work tasks are to be completed.

If you work in and around moving traffic, moving plant or equipment then high visibility clothing should be worn at all times. This allows the wearer to be easily seen by drivers.

High visibility clothing should be worn in the day and high visibility clothing with retro-reflective tape if working at dusk or night time or whenever visibility is poor. These garments should comply to AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 and the TTMC code of practice covers the requirements for high visibility garments for use on roads for New Zealand.

There are three different classifications for high-visibility clothing.

1. Class D is for outdoor daytime use only, with fluorescent or other non-retro-reflective high visibility material
2. Class N is for night-time use only, with retro-reflective material on an unspecified background.
3. Class D/N is for day or night use. This comprises retro-reflective elements on a fluorescent or other non retro-reflective high-visibility background material.

When choosing your high visibility clothing always consider the environment and tasks. Consider temperature, lighting and visibility such as day or night, and weather.

Also whether you need a non-flammable garment when completing hot works.

Ensure the colour of your clothing does not blend in with your background colours.

It's important that your garment meets Australian and New Zealand standards. High visibility clothing should be regularly inspected to ensure it is clean and in good condition, and replace clothing that is worn out, faded or no longer suitable.

Consult BOC for more information or advice.