As any employer with industrial machinery knows, preventing accidents starts with making sure employees are aware of their surroundings. The inappropriate use of cell phones decreases employees’ awareness of their surroundings, therefore reducing their ability to recognize and react to hazards. OSHA construction regulations pertaining to cranes and derricks (29 C.F.R. § 1926.1417(d)) forbid the use of cell phones, but the hazard exists across any dangerous equipment. Accordingly, active operation during the use of industrial equipment should be strictly prohibited.
Want more in-depth info? Check out this article on cell phone use risk.
Does your company currently have a cell phone policy in place? If not, and you aren’t sure where to start, ICI is here to help! ICI Manager of Safety and Transportation Issues Ashley Aiken has created a template policy for member use. We encourage you to modify the document to make it meet your company’s needs.
If you have any questions, contact Ashley Aiken at (317) 634-7547.