Are Hi-Vis Vests a Legal Requirement?

Safety is non-negotiable on any worksite – and visibility plays a critical role in protecting workers from hazards. But are high-vis vests a legal requirement? The answer lies in understanding the clothing safety standards that govern workplace safety across industries. At ProRTX, we equip teams with dependable, high-performance workwear clothing that meets real-world demands. 

Are Workers Required to Wear Hi-Visibility Clothing?

Hi-visibility clothing is a critical safety requirement across sectors such as construction, logistics, and warehouse operations. Where a high-vis policy is in place, it must be followed without exception – whether it’s cold, wet, or blazing hot. Visibility isn’t seasonal. 

At ProRTX, we make it easy to stay compliant year-round. Our hi-vis range is built for performance in all conditions – from our insulated Hi-Vis Jacket for colder environments to our breathable, pocketed Hi-Vis Executive Waistcoat, designed to keep workers cool and equipped during warmer days. Every garment is created for comfort, durability, and practicality – helping your team meet clothing safety standards without compromise.

What Clothing Safety Standards Apply to Hi-vis Clothing?

To be trusted in industrial settings, hi-visibility clothing must meet strict safety clothing standards. At ProRTX, our orange hi-vis garments are manufactured to comply with EN ISO 20471:2013 – the benchmark for visibility and durability in demanding work environments.

This standard outlines detailed specifications for reflective tape placement and performance. Tapes must meet defined reflectivity levels, which are tested using a photogoniometer – even under wet conditions – to ensure visibility is maintained in poor weather. To assess colour performance, garments undergo a minimum of five wash cycles to verify that chromaticity and luminance levels remain consistent. A spectrophotometer checks that the background fabric retains a bright, compliant colour – restricted to yellow, orange, or red under the standard.

Beyond visibility, durability is key. EN ISO 20471 also requires testing for tensile strength, tear resistance, and burst strength – ensuring the garment performs reliably in rugged industrial environments. With ProRTX, you’re not just meeting clothing safety standards — you’re choosing garments built for lasting protection and performance.

What is EN ISO 20471:2013?

EN ISO 20471:2013 is a standard that details all of the requirements for high-visibility clothing. It ensures that all hi-vis workwear sufficiently increases wearers’ visibility, including their visibility against a variety of backgrounds and light conditions. 

Rules Around Hi-Visibility Clothing

Both employers and employees have rules to follow when it comes to sourcing or wearing high-visibility clothing:

Employees

Employees are required to wear high-visibility clothing at all times while on site, with no exceptions. To ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness, each worker should regularly inspect their garments before and after use – checking for any damage, fading, or defects that could compromise visibility.

Any issues must be reported immediately to a supervisor, as worn or damaged hi-vis clothing may no longer meet essential clothing safety standards.

Employers

Employers have a legal duty to provide high-visibility clothing to any worker operating in environments where visibility is a safety concern. This must be supplied free of charge, and must meet the necessary clothing safety standards for the role and environment. Beyond sourcing compliant garments, employers are also responsible for maintaining their quality – including the timely replacement of any hi-vis clothing that is damaged, worn, or no longer fit for purpose.

Regular monitoring is essential to ensure full workforce compliance. All team members should be wearing appropriate hi-vis garments at all times on site, with supervisors actively overseeing adherence to safety protocols. At ProRTX, we make compliance easier with dependable hi-vis garments engineered for durability, availability, and long-term value.

Choose Our Durable and Practical Hi-Vis Workwear

If you’re an employer seeking reliable, high-performance workwear, ProRTX has you covered. Our certified hi-vis garments are available exclusively through our trusted network of UK distributors.

To find out where to buy, explore our list of distributor partners. For questions about our hi-vis range or guidance on the right garments for your team, feel free to contact us directly. Want to stay informed? Visit the ProRTX blog for practical insights, product updates, and expert guidance on all things workwear.