Using cell phones while working or driving can be dangerous, and it may also be illegal. The following tips can help to keep employers and employees safe and ensure they follow the law.
1 Put away cell phones when driving
Employers should have policies that ban employees from using cell phones while driving. In 2017 in Texas, 449 people died in crashes because of distracted driving. Texting and driving is against the law in Texas. Employees should take driving breaks if they need to text or make calls. If employees use a company phone, consider installing an app that blocks phone and internet use when the vehicle is moving.
2 Create a cell phone use policy
A cell phone use policy should be part of your health and safety program. New and existing employees need to be trained on that policy. Here are some rules you can add to your policy: wait until break times to use cell phones; use them only in a safe area; and never use a cell phone near flammable fumes or liquids.
3 Ban cell phone use when using
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Equipment and heavy machine operators should not use cell phones while working. OSHA regulations ban any practice or activity – like cell phone use – that takes an operator’s attention away from the job of using the machinery or equipment, like forklifts, overhead cranes, or derricks. Cell phones can cause a distraction that can lead to a serious incident.
4 Set boundaries on personal
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Have employees give up their personal phones whenever and wherever there is a risk of danger from distraction at your worksite – but have a lockbox or other secure place on-site where employees can store phones.
5 Limit work-related phone use
Post notices about where it is safe to use cell phones for work. If employees who operate equipment or do other hazardous tasks need work-related information from their phones, they need to tell a supervisor and move to a safe area, like a break room or office.
[divide icon_position=”left” width=”short” color=”#”]Source: Texas Department of Insurance