Can anyone recall when high visibilty ornage vests/jackets first started to appear on railroads and/or when they became common… universal… mandatory?
i was a signal maintainer on the NYCTA (subway). when i started there in 1968 the only protective equipment provided by the railroad was a lantern for walking in tunnels and outdoors at night. some of the older trains did not even have headlights just colored lights for markers. after several fatalities they issued a yellow flashing light to warn approaching trains that someone was on the track. in 1970 they began to issue somewhat reflective orange and white bibs. they were about the size of babies bibs( a postage stamp on an envelope is good comparison for size on an adult). it was a strict rule offense to go on the tracks without wearing one. in 1973 they issued orange mesh vests with highly reflective strips on the front and back and breakaway snaps in case of getting snagged on a moving train. these were a big improvement over the bibs and are still in use today. i keep one in each of my cars even though i’m retired in case i have to change a flat tire or run into some other trouble. i also modified one for my dog to wear when i walk her at night on the road.
Maintance of way & signals people almost always wear HI-Viz vests. However they are still uncommon for traincrews, particularly road crews. You are more likely to see the vest on yard crews, that are on the ground for most of their shifts. Also, new hires have special Hi-Viz vests and hats.
Nick Brodar