The change applies to all employees with the exception of a small number of railroaders whose work apparel is governed by a collective bargaining agreement.
“CSX is committed to providing a safe work environment that supports and promotes the health and well-being of every employee through a wide range of safety training and programs,” says CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle in a statement to Trains News Wire.
“At the same time, employees are expected to contribute to their personal safety by following work rules and by ensuring they arrive on the job prepared to work safely, including with appropriate personal protective equipment,” Doolittle says.
He says the change is being made now to underscore the importance of that shared responsibility with employees.
As the railroad shifts the responsibility of buying safety apparel to its employees, company executives are gearing up for renovations to the Jacksonville corporate office building.
The Jacksonville Daily Record reported this week that CSX wants to spend $1.85 million in renovations to the 15th floor executive offices. The railroad intends to remodel more than 20,000 square feet of space for offices, meeting rooms, a recording studio, work cafe, a kitchen, and other improvements to executive suite space, the newspaper reported.
The renovations are reportedly for CEO E. Hunter Harrison and other top leaders.
Doolittle confirmed with Trains News Wire there are plans to upgrade the 15th floor, which houses most executive offices, but there are also plans to renovate other areas of the building as well.
“CSX is renovating several areas of its headquarters building at 500 Water Street in Jacksonville, in order to modernize and update the space and to accommodate changes to the office space needs of our staff,” says Doolittle.
“Projects include modifications to the lobby area, the entire 15th floor and several other locations throughout the 487,000-square-foot building,” he adds.
He says the work will take place at various times over the next year and will take place in phases to minimize disruption to employees.
