The average construction worker walks about 30,000 steps each day on the job, as compared to the average person’s 10,000 step goal. Construction work is known for being a demanding job. But it can also be deadly in certain environments. Construction crews working on or near roadways, and especially at night, are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. This is why special workwear, even just hi vis cargo pants, can be effective.
Are Construction Workers By the Side of the Road Put In Harm’s Way?
Construction workers are just trying to do their job. Ideally, they are simply trying to get the job done as soon as possible, whether it’s building a new structure or fixing the road. If the location of a job is near moving vehicles, it can actually pose as an added danger.
What Happens Without Extra Protection: Don’t Create Undue Risk.
Road construction zones are created to slow down the flow of traffic. The goal is to minimize risk. But too often, other factors come into play. Visibility due to the weather or time of day often make it more difficult for drivers to see the those crews working by the side of the road, at least from a distance. Special safety clothing can help by improving workers’ visibility.
How to Keep Workers Safe Through Their Workwear.
High visibility clothing, or hi vis for short, is specialty clothing that works to make it easier for the wearer to be seen from a distance. Hi vis cargo pants are one simple safety method that is can be effective. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Association has certain requirements for high visibility workwear. These requirements include specific colors, such as flourescent.
Roughly 4,800 people were killed on the job in 2015, which breaks down to 13 people every day. In the case of road construction crews, there are some estimates that 140 crew members are killed each year. Something as simple as a reflective vest, or hi vis cargo pants, may seem a flimsy form of protection. However, any item that can decrease the chance of a terrible accident is worth using.