Mobile Phones on Site: The Fatal Distraction

Why this matters

• A construction site is a moving environment. Trucks, cranes, and forklifts are always in motion. If your eyes are on a screen, you cannot see a load swinging toward you. If your ears are covered by headphones, you cannot hear a warning shout or a reversing siren.
• We want you to speak to your family every night. To do that, you must stay focused on the hazards around you during your shift. Distraction is among the most common causes of accidents involving moving plant and falls from height.

Talking points

• Keep your phone switched off or on silent while you are performing any task.
• Never use headphones or earbuds on the site. They block your ability to hear danger.
• If you must take an emergency call, stop work and move to a designated safe zone like the site office or canteen first.
• Do not take photos or videos of work activities unless it is a required part of your job and you are in a safe position.
• Operators of plant and machinery must never touch a phone while the engine is running or the machine is in use.
• Avoid walking and texting at the same time. Stop in a safe place if you need to check a message.
• Remember that a second of distraction can lead to a permanent injury.

Ask the crew

• Where is the only safe place on this site to use your mobile phone?
• Why are earbuds more dangerous than just holding a phone in your hand?
• What should you do if you see a colleague using their phone while walking near moving machinery?

Tools and study guides

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