Orange is The New Yellow
Why Orange is the New Yellow: A Smarter Choice for Column Protectors
Introduction
In industrial and warehouse environments, safety is non-negotiable. Column protectors play a critical role in preventing damage, reducing downtime, and keeping workers safe. Traditionally, yellow has been the go-to color for safety markings, but recent research and real-world experience suggest that orange is a superior choice for column protectors. In this article, we’ll explore why orange outperforms yellow, backed by science, industry standards, and practical application.
Visibility and Contrast: Orange Stands Out More Than Yellow
One of the most important functions of column protectors is being highly visible so workers and forklift operators can spot them instantly. While yellow is widely associated with caution, orange offers better visibility, especially in industrial environments.
According to the ANSI Z535.1 safety color standard, yellow is designated for general caution, while orange is specifically used to indicate warning and potential hazards.
Why does this matter? Because workers in industrial settings are trained to associate orange with heightened awareness, meaning they respond faster to orange-marked hazards than those in yellow.
Orange also contrasts better against concrete flooring, steel beams, and warehouse machinery, making it easier to see from a distance or in dimly lit environments.
Key takeaway: Orange grabs attention faster than yellow, improving reaction times and overall workplace safety.
The Science Behind Color Psychology and Safety
Color psychology plays a crucial role in how humans perceive risk. Studies in safety design and hazard communication indicate that orange is a more attention-grabbing color than yellow, particularly in fast-moving environments.
The Journal of Safety Research suggests that workers react more quickly to orange than to yellow in high-risk environments.
This is because orange has a longer wavelength, making it one of the most highly visible colors in the spectrum, especially under artificial lighting common in warehouses and factories.
This is also why traffic cones and construction barriers are often orange instead of yellow—because the human eye processes orange as an urgent warning.
Key takeaway: Orange is more effective in drawing attention than yellow, making it a better choice for safety-critical areas.
Durability and Long-Term Visibility
In high-traffic environments, safety equipment like column protectors is subjected to constant wear and tear. Over time, yellow surfaces tend to show dirt, scuffs, and fading more easily than orange.
Orange holds its brightness longer because it naturally reflects more light.
Dirt and grime are more noticeable on yellow, which can reduce visibility over time.
Faded yellow can sometimes blend into warehouse backgrounds, making it less effective as a warning color.
Key takeaway: Orange remains brighter and cleaner-looking for longer, ensuring consistent safety visibility over time.
Compliance with Safety Standards
Industrial workplaces follow strict safety standards, and color choice can play a role in compliance with safety regulations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) both recognize orange as a critical safety color for warning and hazard identification.
While yellow is often used for general caution, orange is recommended for higher-risk areas where heightened attention is required.
Key takeaway: Choosing orange aligns with industry best practices and helps ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.
Aesthetic and Modernization
Beyond safety and compliance, orange is increasingly becoming the modern choice for industrial settings looking to upgrade their safety protocols. Forward-thinking companies are shifting away from traditional yellow safety equipment in favor of high-visibility orange to keep up with best practices and evolving workplace safety trends.
While many other industrial safety brands only offer yellow safety barriers, Armbright exclusively provides orange safety products as a standard option.
The shift to orange reflects a broader movement toward more effective, research-backed safety improvements.
Key takeaway: Using orange shows forward-thinking safety leadership and a commitment to best practices
Conclusion: Why Orange is the Future of Column Protection
When it comes to industrial safety, orange is the smarter choice over yellow for column protectors and other high-impact safety equipment. With better visibility, stronger contrast, longer-lasting durability, and alignment with safety standards, orange offers a clear advantage in reducing accidents and improving workplace awareness.
If you’re looking to upgrade your facility’s safety equipment, consider switching to high-visibility orange column protectors—a modern, research-backed choice that enhances safety and keeps your workspace running smoothly.
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Sources & References
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535.1 - Safety Color Code
Journal of Safety Research - The Role of Color in Hazard Perception and Workplace Safety
OSHA Safety Guidelines - Industrial Safety Markings and Hazard Communication
March 25, 2025
