By K C Pawling, Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist
Now that I’ve been in the role of NIRMA Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist for 3 ½ years, I am honestly surprised at the number of road department employees I speak to that still aren’t wearing any high visibility apparel while they are out on the roads.
Most road employees express concerns about the number of distracted drivers they notice while out on the roads, yet they themselves are not doing anything to mitigate the risk of injury while doing their work out there amongst those distracted drivers. Worse yet, I see supervisors or managers that allow their employees to work on the roadways without a safety vest.
The 2023 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), reinforces and updates requirements for high-visibility safety apparel, particularly safety vests, for individuals working on or near roadways. These standards are critical for protecting workers in construction zones, roadway maintenance areas, and other traffic-exposed environments.
Under the 2023 MUTCD, all workers who are exposed to vehicular traffic—whether from public roadways or construction vehicles—must wear high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or Class 3 standards set by the ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 standard. These classes specify design, color, and reflectivity requirements that ensure workers are visible during both daytime and nighttime operations. Class 2 garments are typically used in environments with moderate risk (daytime), while Class 3 garments provide enhanced visibility and are required in high-speed or complex work zones (night-time).
One significant update in the 2023 MUTCD is the clarification that safety apparel must be worn at all times by workers exposed to traffic, not just during active construction periods. This includes surveyors, flaggers, inspectors, and utility workers. Additionally, garments must be maintained in good condition, with retroreflective material that remains functional. Faded, torn, or dirty vests that reduce visibility do not meet compliance standards and should be replaced immediately.
The MUTCD also emphasizes employer responsibility, stating that it is the duty of the agency or employer to provide appropriate high-visibility apparel and ensure it is used properly. This is particularly important in work zones where worker presence must be immediately apparent to drivers to reduce the risk of accidents.
The ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 standard also introduces garment types—Type O (off-road), Type R (roadway), and Type P (public safety)—to better match apparel with specific job environments. Key features include minimum areas for fluorescent background fabric and reflective tape, as well as guidelines on placement, durability, and design to ensure visibility in both daylight and low-light conditions.
By aligning with the latest ANSI/ISEA 107 standard and reinforcing consistent use of high-visibility safety vests, per the 2023 MUTCD, counties are prioritizing the safety of employees operating in or near traffic. Compliance not only helps reduce fatalities and injuries but also fosters a culture of safety awareness and responsibility on the county roadways.
This article only provides a quick summary of the requirements. I would encourage all county road departments to review the standards and check your safety vests to make sure you meet those requirements. The collar tag on your safety vests contains all the information you need to enable you to make the correct choices for your safety apparel.
If you have any questions or need any further guidance, I can be reached at 402-310-4417 or kcpawling@nirma.info.
