The Overlooked Gap in PPE: When the Backpack Covers Your Hi-Vis Clothing

High-visibility clothing is mandatory across Europe, regulated and defined by standards. But what about the black backpack that employees wear over it? A large part of the reflective surface is covered. This significantly increases the risk of accidents.

In PPE procurement, the details matter. Visibility at the back must be taken into account, even though EN ISO 20471 does not address this aspect: the standard applies to high-visibility clothing, not to equipment worn over it. We show you how to close this dangerous gap.

The risk is real

According to the 2024 annual report of the German statutory accident insurer for the transport sector (BG Verkehr), 66,445 reportable occupational accidents were recorded, 73 of them fatal. In 2023, twelve workers were struck and killed by trains during track work. The greatest hazards according to the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance):

• Rail vehicles in motion (shunting)
• Passing trains
• Slipstream and pressure effects

Poor weather such as rain, fog or storms and the extended darkness of the winter months make the situation even more critical.

For staff working on tracks and in tunnels, well-designed PPE is essential. And for safety officers: anyone aware of this visibility gap must address it in their risk assessment.

360-degree visibility improves safety

DICOTA Hi-Vis backpacks therefore complement your existing PPE. The portfolio comprises three colours, matched to the respective field of application:

• Fluorescent orange: track areas in DE, AT and CH; for maintenance teams, construction crews and shunting operations.
• Fluorescent yellow: proven in road environments, such as bus, tram and metro operations and municipal civil engineering.
• Black with reflective elements: discreet for customer-facing roles, with a reversible hi-vis cover (orange/yellow).

Fluorescent material and reflective elements meet the material requirements of EN ISO 20471:2013.

Why not simply use a hi-vis cover?

Inexpensive covers for existing backpacks do exist. In practice, however, they are often not used: pulling on the extra cover is skipped in a busy working day, and the protection stays in the locker. For precisely this reason, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) have switched to fully high-visibility models. Their conclusion: higher purchase costs, but better safety and fewer accidents. Safety that does not depend on individual behaviour is the more reliable safety.

Built for any weather

Made from premium fabrics and components, the carrying solutions withstand wind and weather. The main material meets the water-repellency requirements of EN ISO 4920. The reinforced base prevents moisture from entering from below and ensures slip resistance on ballast and asphalt.

For extreme weather conditions, a precisely fitted, full-coverage rain cover is included. It keeps water out as effectively as possible and protects your equipment.

Designed for fleet use

DICOTA Hi-Vis backpacks are built for daily service: washable, robust and covered by a five-year warranty. Your company logo can be attached from a single unit using a Velcro patch. From 1,000 units, DICOTA will develop a customised product to your requirements.

Sustainable in material and supply chain

DICOTA's DNA is also found in the high-visibility backpacks: the main material is made from recycled PET bottles, giving them a meaningful second life. Certified by SGS, with the certificate available for download on the product page. You reduce your company's carbon footprint. Procuring DICOTA products supports your sustainability strategy.

Certified by amfori (www.amfori.org), DICOTA also stands for social sustainability in global supply chains. You procure responsibly manufactured products from a leading brand.

You also benefit from a significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO). The products are designed precisely for daily service and can be used for five years. A valuable additional benefit: there are no internal process costs for replacing low-cost products, and your staff appreciate the premium solutions every day.

Conclusion

Visibility is not a detail; it is part of personal protective equipment. DICOTA Hi-Vis backpacks combine high visibility based on the material requirements of EN ISO 20471:2013, well-designed functionality and sustainable materials in a solution that sensibly complements your existing PPE. Proven thousands of times in daily use by leading railway companies across Europe.

Interested in samples and terms for your fleet? Contact us; we will be happy to advise you personally:

Emmanuel Jaggi, International Sales Project Manager

Silas Burkart, Inside Sales