Road Worker Safety in the UAE: Hi-Vis PPE for Highway and Traffic Operations

Protecting Road Workers on UAE Highways and Urban Roads

Road construction, maintenance, and traffic management workers face extreme visibility risks from passing vehicles, often at high speeds. UAE highways have speed limits of up to 140 km/h, and even urban roads see heavy, fast-moving traffic. The PPE requirements for road workers are among the most stringent of any outdoor occupation.

Hi-Vis Requirements for Road Workers

Class 3 hi-vis garments are mandatory for all workers within or adjacent to the traffic lane. This means full-torso garments with reflective bands on the torso and sleeves (or long trousers with reflective bands). Class 2 vests alone are not sufficient for highway operations in the UAE.

For night work — which is common during summer to avoid the midday heat ban — garments must feature high-performance prismatic reflective tape and may require LED enhancement for the highest-risk positions such as flaggers and lane closure crews.

Additional Road Worker PPE

Hard hats rated for lateral impact (Type II) are recommended for road workers due to the risk of flying debris from passing vehicles. Safety glasses with shatterproof lenses protect against kicked-up stones and road debris. Steel-toe boots with reflective elements add visibility at ground level. Hearing protection is required when working near heavy road machinery.

Traffic Control Personnel

Flaggers and traffic controllers require the highest level of visibility plus communication equipment. Many UAE road projects specify dedicated flagger vests with integrated LED lighting, reflective panels front and rear, and connection points for radio communication systems.

TexiExp supplies road safety PPE for UAE highway and traffic management projects. Visit ppeuae.com for our full range.