High Visibility Clothing Safety Toolbox Talk

One of the most common causes of serious injuries on construction sites is workers being struck by moving vehicles or equipment. Dump trucks, loaders, forklifts, delivery vehicles, and heavy equipment operators all rely on being able to see workers clearly. When workers blend into the background, especially in low light or busy work zones, the risk of a struck-by incident increases quickly.

This talk focuses on the importance of high visibility clothing and how it helps equipment operators and drivers see workers sooner. Wearing the right visibility gear and using it correctly helps prevent incidents where a worker is in the path of moving equipment without being noticed.

Why This Matters

• Equipment operators have blind spots that can hide workers on foot.
• High visibility clothing helps workers stand out against equipment, materials, and the environment.
• Low light conditions during early morning, evening, or bad weather reduce visibility.
• Busy jobsites with multiple trades increase the chance of workers crossing active equipment paths.
• Struck-by incidents often happen when workers assume operators can see them.

Common Hazards

• Working around trucks, forklifts, loaders, or excavators moving through the site.
• Backing vehicles that rely on mirrors and cameras but still have blind spots.
• Workers walking through active equipment travel paths.
• Dust, fog, rain, or low light reducing visibility on the jobsite.
• Clothing covered in mud, dirt, or debris that hides reflective material.
• Workers removing vests during hot weather or while performing certain tasks.
• Standing between equipment and materials where operators may not expect someone to be.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Make sure all workers have high visibility vests or shirts that meet site requirements.
• Inspect reflective material for damage, fading, or heavy dirt that reduces visibility.
• Confirm clothing fits properly and is not torn or missing reflective strips.
• Identify equipment travel paths and high-traffic areas on the jobsite.
• Assign spotters where equipment movement creates limited visibility.

During Work

• Wear high visibility clothing at all times in active work zones.
• Keep vests zipped or secured so reflective strips stay visible.
• Stay out of equipment blind spots whenever possible.
• Make eye contact with operators before approaching equipment.
• Use designated walk paths and avoid crossing active equipment routes.
• Keep reflective clothing clean and replace it if it becomes too dirty or damaged.
• Stay alert when working near backing vehicles or moving equipment.

Crew Talking Points

• Where are the main equipment travel paths on this jobsite today?
• Which tasks require workers to be close to moving equipment?
• Are spotters needed for any deliveries or equipment movement?
• Is everyone wearing high visibility gear right now?
• What blind spots do equipment operators deal with on this site?
• If anyone’s vest is damaged, missing, or too dirty to be visible, speak up now.

Stop Work If

• Workers in active equipment areas are not wearing high visibility clothing.
• Reflective clothing is too damaged or dirty to provide proper visibility.
• Equipment is moving through areas without clear worker visibility.
• No spotter is present where equipment operators have limited sight.
• Workers must enter equipment blind spots without communication with the operator.

Final Reminder

High visibility clothing is one of the simplest ways to prevent struck-by incidents. If operators can see you clearly, they have time to react and avoid a serious accident.