Reflective
regulations

When your job depends on being seen—day or night, rain or shine—what you wear matters. But not all visibility gear is created equal. So, how do you know if you need hi-vis or enhanced visibility apparel? Let’s break it down in a way that helps you get the right gear for the work you do.

Who Sets the Standards for Hi-Vis Apparel?

To really understand what counts as high-visibility gear, it helps to know who’s in charge of the standards.
There are three main organizations behind it:

Here’s the bottom line: OSHA and CSA set the legal baseline for the United States and Canada, but ANSI/ISEA raises the bar with expert-backed recommendations. Employers often follow ANSI/ISEA standards to stay ahead of compliance and ensure their teams are properly equipped.

Hi-Vis vs. Enhanced Visibility: What’s the Difference?

Here’s the key difference: hi-vis safety apparel meets formal safety standards, while enhanced visibility gear doesn’t—but still helps you stand out.

Hi-vis apparel follows the requirements set by organizations like CSA, OSHA or ANSI/ISEA. That makes it essential for high-risk jobs—like construction, towing and recovery or emergency response, where visibility is a legal or job-site requirement.

Enhanced visibility apparel, on the other hand, includes gear with reflective material but doesn’t meet those specific standards. It’s a great option for low-risk environments, where being seen is helpful but not mandatory—think warehouse work, logistics or even riding your bike at night.

If your role puts you near vehicles, equipment or active roadways, hi-vis is likely required. If it just helps you be seen better, enhanced visibility may be enough.

A Quick Note on Types and Classes

Hi-vis safety apparel isn’t one-size-fits-all. ANSI/ISEA groups it into different types and classes based on where it’s used and how much visibility it provides.

There are categories for off-road work, roadway environments and public safety, along with classifications that define how much reflective material is needed.

If you want the full breakdown of what each type and class means—and which one fits your job—we’ve got all the details in this blog post here.

Ready to Gear Up?

The right visibility gear keeps your team safer—and helps them focus on the job without second-guessing their safety. Whether you need certified hi-vis apparel or enhanced visibility options, we’ve got you covered.
Visit outfitters.zips.com to see our full lineup and get the gear that fits your team, your work and your standards.