28 January 2026
6 min read
Furkan
Workplace Safety
Reflective and High-Visibility Workwear

Reflective and high-visibility workwear is a life-saving safety element, especially in low-light conditions, areas close to traffic, and during night work.

Why Is High Visibility Necessary?

Low visibility conditions are one of the most significant causes of workplace accidents. Sufficient visibility distance must be provided for vehicle operators to notice a worker.

300m
Night Visibility Distance
85%
Accident Prevention Rate
3 Classes
Visibility Levels
EN 20471
Required Standard

EN ISO 20471 Classification

Class Min. Fluorescent Area Min. Reflective Area Usage Area
Class 1 0.14 m² 0.10 m² Low-risk areas, warehouses
Class 2 0.50 m² 0.13 m² Medium-risk areas, logistics
Class 3 0.80 m² 0.20 m² High-risk areas, road work

Components of High-Visibility Clothing

Fluorescent Material

Provides high contrast in daylight. There are three color standards: yellow-green, orange-red, and red. Yellow-green is the most commonly used color.

Retroreflective Strips

Reflects light back to its source in darkness. Must be at least 5 cm wide and positioned to provide 360° visibility on torso, arms, and legs.

Types of Reflective Strips

Two main types of reflective strips exist:

  • Glass bead strips: Cost-effective, provides medium-level reflectivity. Durable up to 25 washes.
  • Microprismatic strips: Superior reflectivity, visibility from wider angles. Withstands 50+ washes.
Care Tip: Reflective strip performance decreases with washing. Wash garments below 40°C, turned inside out. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do not iron reflective strips.

Sector Usage Areas

Road Construction

Class 3 required. Full body coverage. Fluorescent yellow-green.

Logistics

Class 2 minimum. Vest or jacket. Used in warehouses and distribution centers.

Railway

Class 3 required. Special railway standards. Dual-color reflective stripes needed.

Correct Selection Criteria

  1. Determine the required class by conducting a risk assessment
  2. Evaluate the climate conditions of the working environment
  3. Select CE-marked and EN ISO 20471 certified products
  4. Pay attention to correct sizing (strip positioning is important)
  5. Check washing instructions and durability period

Conclusion

High-visibility workwear is an indispensable element of employee safety. At Altun Tekstil, we produce high-quality reflective workwear compliant with EN ISO 20471 standards.

"Visibility is safety. An employee being visible is the simplest yet most effective measure that can save their life."

— Furkan, Altun Tekstil
Tags: reflectivehigh visibilityEN ISO 20471fluorescentworkplace safety
Furkan

Furkan

Experienced professional in production processes, workplace safety, and quality control.