Employment and Social Development Canada reported that workers in manufacturing, transport, storage and communications were among the top five industries with the highest injury rates in 20081. Although this statistic dates back a few years now, safety in these types of facilities continues to be a top concern. To help improve worker safety, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals should consider whether they need an Enhanced Visibility workwear program.

“While Enhanced Visibility workwear is not listed as a requirement under the CSA Standard, employers have a duty to keep their employees safe under OHS regulations,” said Scott Neill, Merchandising Manager, Cintas Canada. “Enhanced Visibility uniforms may be worn by workers in low-light and busy environments.”

Enhanced Visibility garments by Cintas have retroreflective and fluorescent stripes and bands laid in the same pattern as High Visibility apparel. This standardized pattern helps to make workers visible from all angles. The pattern also helps to identify whether the wearer is facing forward (vertical lines) or walking away (symmetrical “x”). Additionally, the Enhanced Visibility garments are made with the exclusive Cintas ”Comfort Touch” fabric assuring workers are comfortable as well as safe while maintaining a professional image.

Employers may want to consider an Enhanced Visibility program if they have employees who:

1. Work in environments with complex backgrounds (i.e., a busy warehouse).
2. Work in low-light environments.
3. Work in a close proximity to moving equipment.
4. Require apparel or identifiers to help them stand out.

“Enhanced Visibility garments help employees stand out from their environments, remain visible in less than ideal lighting and stay safe on the job, all together reducing the likelihood of workplace injuries,” added Neill.

With a full-service uniform rental program, there's no laundry to do and no uniforms to purchase; repairs and maintenance are part of the service providing a hassle-free uniform program.

To learn more about the Cintas Visibility apparel program, please visit cintas.ca/visibility or call 1-800-CINTAS1.

Disclaimer and Standard Terms

Pursuant to federal and provincial Occupational Health and Safety legislation an employer bears sole responsibility for selecting the type(s) of personal protective equipment to be used by its employees. All purchasers of Visibility garments and/or laundering services from Cintas bear full responsibility for selecting the PPE appropriate for use by their employees. Cintas makes no representation, warranty, or covenant with respect to retroreflective and fluorescent qualities of the garments or with respect to the fitness or suitability of the garments for any particular use or purpose. The purchase of any goods or service from Cintas is subject to Cintas’ Standard Terms and Conditions and/or any other applicable written contract executed between the purchaser and Cintas relating to such purchase.

About Cintas Canada Ltd

Cintas Canada Ltd, with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario is a subsidiary of Cintas Corporation. Cintas Canada designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs and provides entrance mats, restroom cleaning and supplies, tile and carpet cleaning services to approximately 55,000 businesses in Canada. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS, and is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

1 International Labour Organization (ILO) LABORSTA Internet. Table 8B - Rate of occupational injuries, by economic activity, Canada, 2008. Available from: Laborsta Internet.