$ 34.88Fred Rasmussen, safety administrator of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) placed a high importance on obtaining high-visibility garments for his employees. |
Rasmussen considered comfort and sought out garments that were sized to fit each employee, as proper fit is essential to reducing machinery hazards. In addition, those who work in the hot Louisiana sun especially value breathability and weight of the fabric. Six years ago, Louisiana became the first state to adopt lime-green safety vests, so vest color was also key.
"In a work-zone setting employees in orange vests blend right in with the cones and equipment," Rasmussen said. "A lime-green vest sets the worker apart from his surroundings." He added that he "wanted the best reflectivity our money could buy." According to Rasmussen, the ANSI/ISEA-compliant vests cost the department between $8 and $9 more per vest than the garments the DOT was previously using. However, he believes that this extra cost is justified because of the importance of protecting workers. Rasmussen's employees are now outfitted in ANSI/ISEA-compliant apparel. But his work is far from done. While Louisiana was the first state DOT to adopt the ANSI-standard, Rasmussen expects others to follow in his footsteps. In fact, Louisiana DOTD has already shared its specifications with other states for both lime-green color and reflectivity. |
