Which of the following actions should be taken before occupying the railway track?

Verifying clearance and validating signal status is an essential step before occupying the railway track. This action ensures that the workspace is safe and free of incoming trains or other rolling stock, which is crucial for preventing accidents and protecting the safety of workers. Confirming clearance means checking that the area is clear and that there are no immediate hazards present. Additionally, validating signal status ensures that all signals are indicating safe conditions, allowing workers to proceed without risking their safety.

Other actions, while important in general, do not directly address the immediate safety concerns related to track occupancy. For example, informing the public about track use is important for awareness but does not directly impact a worker's immediate safety on the track. Consulting with management for approval is a necessary procedural step but does not provide any immediate safety guarantees. Preparing personal equipment for use is also a practical step but does not ensure that the track is safe to occupy. Thus, verifying clearance and signal status is the critical action that directly contributes to ensuring a safe working environment.