Fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report that an average of 54 worker-pedestrians are killed per year after being struck by vehicles in work zones. Struck-by accidents remain one of construction’s deadliest hazards. A lot of these accidents wouldn’t have happened if people were more visible in various environments within the work zone.
What you wear can help with that. But what exactly you wear in a work zone matters more.
Jackets and
vests can help the wearer with the work they are doing in various environments. But a jacket or a vest that isn’t clearly visible increases life-threatening risks for road workers and construction crews.
The first step towards safety at work is simple—ANSI-compliant high-visibility apparel.
Road crews, construction teams, and municipal workers can considerably lower accident risk by equipping their teams with dependable
high-visibility jackets and vests. And ShirtsBargain offers a curated selection of safety apparel, including blank jackets and vests with visibility features from leading brands like
Port Authority and
CornerStone, at competitive wholesale prices.
Here’s what safety officers and construction managers should know to protect their workforce and keep their operations compliant.
Why Visibility Matters in Construction
According to a study published in ResearchGate, when a pedestrian worker gets hit by a vehicle at 41 mph, there’s a 50% chance of severe injury. At 48 mph, that risk jumps to 75% and could even result in death. Sure, this can vary slightly with the age of the victim. Regardless, high-visibility apparel cuts these struck-by accidents by 40-50% in industrial settings.
Workers wearing compliant hi-vis gear are detectable from over 500 feet away in daylight. Crane operators can spot ground personnel from over 300 feet when everyone wears the right gear. In dim conditions—early morning, dusk, or night shifts—retroreflective materials shine in headlights, making workers visible when darkness hides everyone else.
Investing in a compliant hi-vis program saves companies cash and lives. Fatal construction injuries cost the U.S. $5 billion a year. Workers’ compensation claims eat up nearly 4% of construction employer costs, more than double the average in other fields. It’s safe to say that maintaining compliance ensures better safety at work, reduces human tragedy, and prevents financial loss.
Understanding ANSI Standards: Class 2 vs. Class 3
All high-visibility jackets and vests are not the same. Some have compliance certificates. Some don’t. Some are functional and more practical as workwear. Some aren’t. When it comes to compliance, ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 sets the rules with three safety standards—Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Here’s a breakdown.
Class 1 Requirements:
- 217 square inches of fluorescent background material
- 155 square inches of retroreflective material
- Type O-for off-road use only
Suitable for indoor workers and work environments in factories, warehouses, and in the oil and gas industry. Vests are the most common type of Class 1 high-visibility clothing
Class 2 Requirements:
- 775 square inches of fluorescent background (often orange or yellow)
- 201 square inches of reflective tape, at least 1.38 inches wide
Extended visibility for moderate-risk roads (traffic over 25 mph). There is Type R Class 2 high-visibility apparel designed for roadway situations (road construction crew, transport workers, etc.) and Type P Class 2 high-visibility apparel for public safety situations (police officers, firefighters, EMS, etc.). These types of clothing should also be part of the
uniforms for security personnel if they work in low-visibility environments.
Class 3 Requirements:
- 1,240 square inches of fluorescent background
- 310 square inches of reflective tape, at least 2 inches wide
Class 3 delivers 360-degree, full-body coverage visible from up to 1,280 feet. Needed for high-speed or complex environments (traffic 50 mph+ or work in tough conditions). Class 3 high-visibility clothing is mandatory for the most dangerous occupations.
The difference matters. Class 3 gives top visibility from every angle—even in poor weather or cluttered backgrounds. Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows that solid hi-vis usage cuts roadwork fatalities by around 35%.
ANSI standards categorize apparel/uniforms by the type of work.
- Type R (Roadway)—Engineered for roadway and traffic management
- Type O (Off-Road)—Optimized for off-road and general industrial work
- Type P (Public Safety)—specialized for public safety personnel
What Are Good Brands for High-Visibility Work Jackets & Vests?
The best blank safety workwear with high-visibility features in ShirtsBargain’s
wholesale apparel collection comes from Port Authority and CornerStone.
CornerStone High-Visibility Apparel:
CornerStone specializes in employee uniforms and workwear and delivers a lot of benefits without big price tags. The brand offers durable, ANSI-compliant workwear, ready for tough jobs. The
CSJ503 Class 3 Soft Shell Jacket features 5000MM waterproofing, a 5000G/M² breathability rating, and 2-inch tape for full 360-degree coverage. Its black trim hides grime, keeping crews looking professional and compliant. One of our top-selling
shell jackets, praised for its durability and value for money.
The
CSJ502 Class 3 Waterproof 3-In-1 Parka is another great choice. It’s fully waterproof and seam-sealed, featuring an 8000M waterproof rating and 2-inch-wide reflective taping on the front, back, and sleeves. So it’s versatile from winter to spring. For budget-minded team outfitting, the
CornerStone CSV102 Class 2 vest is a dependable option with reasonable everyday protection.
Port Authority Safety Workwear: Port Authority is a master of shell jackets. Their expertise in crafting practical, feature-rich, and cost-effective shell jackets earned them a reputation in the wholesale workwear market.
Port Authority’s J799S Class 3 Parka is a solid example of that expertise in our curated hi-vis apparel selection from Port Authority. The parka stands out with an 8000MM waterproof rating and 6-ounce insulation, making it practical for cold, wet work with enhanced visibility. Snap-off hood, two-way zipper, and dependable reflectivity come standard. Try the
Enhanced Visibility SV01 Vest for an affordable, non-ANSI option with reflective taping. Port Authority also offers a mesh vest and caps in safety colors, appropriate for Class 1 needs.
Benefits of Buying High-Visibility Blank Jackets & Blank Vests Wholesale
Cost savings and consistency are primary benefits of buying high-visibility clothing and safety workwear in bulk from ShirtsBargain. But there’s more.
- Lower costs: 100 Class 3 jackets at $50 each totals $5,000. Retail at $110 each? That’s $11,000- huge savings on just one bulk buy.
- Team consistency: Everyone suits up in matching, ANSI-certified gear, building unity and a safety-minded company image.
- Admin efficiency: One bulk order beats lots of small ones, saving hours each month.
- Quality assurance: All units meet the same manufacturing and safety standards.
- ShirtsBargain’s nationwide fulfillment network
- No minimum order on blanks.
- Competitive service charges for bulk customization
Steps to Staying Compliant and Highly Visible
OSHA requires high-visibility clothing for anyone exposed to moving vehicles.
Key upkeep steps:
- Check gear weekly for tears, fading, or peeling reflective strips
- Use mild detergent, skip the bleach, and air dry
- Supply workers with at least two pieces, and swap out damaged ones
- Orange is best for rural or natural sites; neon yellow pops in urban roads and low-light spots
Protect Your Team With Higher Savings through ShirtsBargain
Choosing high-visibility jackets and vests is a smart, simple way to protect people and your bottom line. With options from CornerStone and Port Authority via ShirtsBargain, any team can gear up in ANSI-compliant, dependable clothing with no minimums and no hassle.
Shop Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 selections at ShirtsBargain and keep your jobsite compliant, season after season.
For durable workwear, we also have selections from
Red Kap. One of the oldest workwear brands in the United States, Red Kap continues to make high-quality, durable workwear, specializing in industrial workwear. If you are wondering how brands like
Cornerstone compare to Red Kap, we recommend checking out the blog on the subject.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hi-vis work jackets & vests and why are they important?
Hi-vis (high-visibility) work jackets and vests are safety garments made from bright fluorescent fabric and typically equipped with retroreflective tape. They can keep workers including construction crews, road crews, and utility teams visible even in low-light conditions or in hazardous work environments. This visibility reduces workplace accidents significantly.
What does ANSI-compliant mean for workwear?
ANSI-compliance means the workwear meets safety requirements set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard will be met by most top-quality safety workwear. ANSI-certified means a jacket or vest uses the correct amount and placement of fluorescent background material and reflective tape, providing the visibility needed for job site safety and meeting OSHA, MUTCD, and FHWA regulations for workers exposed to moving traffic or construction equipment.
What are the best brands for reflective jackets & vests for construction workers?
The top brands in ShirtsBargain for reflective jackets and vests for construction sites are CornerStone and Port Authority. CornerStone offers a range of custom-friendly ANSI Class 2 and Class 3 compliant workwear. Port Authority offers hi-vis vests and caps that can be customized as well. ShirtsBargain has no minimum order requirements for any blank apparel.
Why should I buy reflective jackets & vests in bulk for my team?
Purchasing hi-vis apparel in bulk saves significant money. Bulk orders also enable fast shipping, ensure consistency in quality and appearance, and simplify team outfitting so everyone meets legal safety requirements. Team uniformity, even in safety workwear, enhances professional image and boosts morale.
What are the ANSI standards for high-visibility jackets & vests in construction?
The current standard is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020. Class 2 garments must have at least 775 square inches of fluorescent background and 201 square inches of reflective tape; Class 3 escalates to 1,240 square inches of background fabric and 310 square inches of reflective tape, along with 360-degree visibility. Class 2 is the minimum required for roadwork; Class 3 is recommended for high-speed or high-risk environments. For lowest risks, Class 1 will suffice.
How do reflective jackets & vests improve safety on the job site?
Reflective jackets and vests enhance worker visibility, making them easily seen by drivers and heavy equipment operators from distances of 500 feet or more, even at night or in bad weather. This reduces struck-by accidents and helps ensure compliance with federal and state safety laws.
Where can I purchase ANSI-compliant workwear for road workers and construction crews?
ShirtsBargain is a leading online wholesale source for ANSI-compliant hi-vis apparel at competitive prices, from top brands like CornerStone and Port Authority. We have no minimum order requirements for blanks and also offer in-house customization and fast shipping from multiple warehouses.
What are the best options for hi-vis jackets & vests for utility teams?
The CornerStone CSJ503 Class 3 Soft Shell Jacket and Port Authority J799S Heavyweight Parka are solid options with multiple features. Both styles are durable, offer advanced weather protection, and are ANSI compliant. For warm climates or indoor/outdoor switching, lightweight mesh or dual-color vests are excellent. Port Authority offers affordable, breathable options.
