High-Visibility Requirements Across Canada: A Provincial Guide

Navigating high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) regulations in Canada can be challenging due to the variations in federal, provincial, and territorial requirements. While the CSA Z96 standard forms the foundation for reflective safety apparel nationwide, each province and territory may have additional specifications tailored to local industries and environments. For employers, understanding these differences is crucial for protecting workers and ensuring compliance with Canadian occupational safety standards.

CSA Z96: Canada’s Nationwide HVSA Standard

Source: WorldAtlas

Provincial and Territorial HVSA Regulations

Yukon

Yukon’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Section 1.48 provides one of the most detailed HVSA frameworks in Canada:

• Workers must wear HVSA near moving vehicles or while directing traffic.
• HVSA must include a minimum of two vertical stripes on the front and an X on the back.
• Visibility levels correspond to three risk categories, ranging from the highest (Level One) to the lowest (Level Three).

Northwest Territories and Nunavut

These territories share regulations that require employers to ensure workers exposed to vehicle hazards wear clothing made from reflective, fluorescent, or other highly visible materials. Although not legally binding, their Codes of Practice recommend CSA Z96 compliance as best practice.

British Columbia

WorkSafeBC enforces strict HVSA requirements:

• CSA Z96 compliance is mandatory for workers near moving vehicles.
• Refer to Section 8.24 of WorkSafeBC OHS Regulations for specific classes and levels.

Alberta

While Alberta does not mandate CSA Z96 compliance, Part 18 of its Occupational Health and Safety Code defines HVSA requirements. Workers in forestry or rural settings often wear additional fluorescent colors to enhance visibility.

Saskatchewan

HVSA regulations in Saskatchewan focus on specific industries: Fluorescent headwear is required for certain roles, such as mining and drilling operations (The Saskatchewan Employment Act, Chapter O-1.1 REG 1, Section 91).

Manitoba

Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act Part 6 specifies that HVSA must meet CSA Z96 standards for workers exposed to moving vehicles or low visibility. Additionally, mining workers must adhere to HVSA regulations under the Operation of Mines Regulation Section 4.6(1).

Ontario

Ontario has some of the most detailed HVSA requirements to ensure worker safety in high-risk environments.

Traffic Control and Construction

Under Regulation 213/91 (Section 69.1), workers exposed to vehicular traffic must wear:

• Fluorescent blaze orange or international orange garments with retroreflective yellow stripes: vertical on the front and an ‘X’ on the back.
• For nighttime work, additional silver reflective stripes must encircle the arms and legs for enhanced side visibility.
• Nylon vests must include tear-away features for safety and have an adjustable fit.

Although this regulation doesn’t specifically mention CSA Z96, the ministry accepts HVSA that meets CSA Z96 standards for brightness and reflectivity as compliant with Ontario’s safety requirements.

Mining Operations

Regulation 854 mandates HVSA for mining workers, requiring bright or fluorescent materials with retroreflective stripes around the waist, arms, and legs, along with an ‘X’ on the back for maximum visibility.

Quebec

In Quebec, underground workers must wear Class 3 CSA Z96-compliant gear, while surface workers require Class 2 or 3 apparel. Regulations for mines (Section 11.2 of S-2.1, r. 14) emphasize reflective elements for enhanced safety.

Atlantic Provinces

Each Atlantic province aligns with the CSA Z96 standard for high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA), but the specifics vary to address local industries and environments.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The province’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Section 81, emphasizes the use of distinguishing apparel made with high-visibility materials to enhance worker safety. 

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia enforces stringent high-visibility requirements through multiple regulations:

• Offshore Area Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Part 8, Section 46[d]) mandate that workers near moving equipment or heavy loads wear HVSA conforming to CSA Z96 standards.
• Occupational Safety General Regulations (Part 15, Section 179) require pedestrians in surface mining zones with mobile equipment to wear high-visibility apparel, ensuring clear visibility in hazardous areas.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick focuses its HVSA regulations on traffic control and construction safety. Signalers and workers managing the flow of traffic must wear reflectorized vests or jackets as specified in WorkSafe's Traffic Control regulations. 

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island takes a more general approach to worker safety. The Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations (Part 45, Section 45.1) state that employees must wear apparel that minimizes exposure to unnecessary hazards. However, the regulation does not explicitly define HVSA requirements or standards, leaving room for interpretation based on workplace risks.

Choosing the Right Hi-Vis Gear

To ensure compliance and worker safety, employers must carefully select HVSA based on the job’s risks, location, and environmental conditions. Key considerations include:

• Evaluate Job Risks: High-risk roles often require Class 2 or 3 garments with retroreflectivity.
• Weather Durability: In areas prone to extreme weather, choose HVSA designed to maintain visibility despite snow, rain, or dirt.
• Adhere to Provincial Guidelines: Always verify the specific regulations for your province or territory to avoid penalties.