Summer is peak season for road construction, infrastructure upgrades, and utility maintenance. Crews are working longer daylight hours, traffic volume increases, and work zones become more congested. While the weather may be warmer, the risks are often higher.
One of the most important and often underestimated pieces of PPE during summer operations is high-visibility apparel.
At Novarlo, we work with contractors, utilities, municipalities, and industrial crews who rely on ANSI-compliant hi-vis gear to stay protected. Here’s why it matters even more during summer road and utility work.
Increased traffic and higher exposure risk
Summer travel increases significantly. Vacation traffic, construction detours, and longer daylight hours all contribute to more vehicles on the road and more distracted drivers.
High-visibility clothing helps reduce risk by improving:
- Daytime visibility in bright conditions
- Reflectivity during early morning and evening shifts
- Worker recognition in active traffic zones
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Glare and sunlight reduce driver visibility
Bright sunlight can make workers harder to see. Glare from pavement, vehicles, and equipment reduces contrast and slows driver reaction time.
ANSI/ISEA 107 compliant hi-vis apparel is designed to counter this through:
- Fluorescent background colours like lime and orange
- High-contrast reflective striping
- Clear garment patterning for visibility at distance
Lightweight, breathable fabrics are critical during summer. They help manage heat while maintaining compliance.
Heat stress changes how workers dress
In colder months, layering naturally increases visibility. In summer, crews switch to lighter clothing, which can reduce compliance if the right gear is not used.
That’s why lightweight Class 2 and Class 3 hi-vis shirts are essential for summer conditions.
Look for:
- Moisture-wicking performance fabrics
- Mesh ventilation panels
- Flame-resistant hi-vis options for utility work
For crews exposed to arc flash hazards, combining flame resistance with high visibility is critical.
Utility work zones are constantly changing
Summer utility work often includes:
- Pole replacements
- Underground trenching
- Overhead line maintenance
- Substation upgrades
These environments shift quickly. Equipment moves, traffic patterns change, and crews reposition throughout the day.
Hi-vis apparel improves visibility not just for drivers, but for equipment operators and crew members working in close proximity.
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OSHA requirements for high-visibility apparel
OSHA requires workers exposed to public vehicular traffic to wear high-visibility garments, referencing ANSI/ISEA 107 under:
29 CFR 1926.651(d) – Workers exposed to public vehicular traffic must be provided with, and must wear, high-visibility garments.
Official guidance:
OSHA standard 1926.651
Correct classification protects:
- Your workers
- Your business
- Your liability exposure
At Novarlo, we help crews select the right class based on real jobsite conditions.
Choosing the right hi-vis PPE for summer
Effective summer PPE needs to balance:
- Visibility
- Breathability
- Durability
- Compliance
Lower-quality hi-vis garments can fade quickly under UV exposure, reducing visibility over time. Investing in professional-grade gear ensures performance across the full season.
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Visibility saves lives on active worksites
During summer road and utility work, the combination of higher traffic, glare, heat, and longer shifts increases risk across the board.
The right high-visibility PPE:
- Improves driver reaction time
- Reduces struck-by incidents
- Maintains OSHA compliance
- Keeps crews safer in dynamic environments
At Novarlo, we supply ANSI-compliant high-visibility gear built for real-world conditions whether you're working roadside, on utility infrastructure, or inside high-traffic construction zones.