CELL PHONES Use of cell phones by operators of moving equipment has become an important issue, raised after a New England Journal of Medicine news article which linked use of cell phones to a quadrupled risk of motor vehicle collisions. There are many significant safety hazards in a construction work environment, and it is critical to reduce those hazards when possible. Elimination of unnecessary hazards such as those caused by cell phone usage is critical for the safety of heavy equipment operators and others at the work site. Safe Work Practices & Tips:  Cell phone usage can cause inattention on the job site.  Co-workers can be distracted by others’ cell phone usage.  Inattention and distraction may result in property damage or personal injury.  Never use a cell phone while operating equipment. Make use of voice mail and return calls during breaks or equipment downtime.  Turn cell phones off near any refueling station or hazardous chemicals, and obey all signs and instructions.  Never use a cell phone to send or receive text message while operating equipment.  Store your cell phone in a location that will prevent its ring from startling you or anyone in the work area.  Do not operate a cell phone near a flammable liquid.

1. CELL PHONES
Use of cell phones by operators of moving equipment has become an
important issue, raised after a New England Journal of Medicine news
article which linked use of cell phones to a quadrupled risk of motor
vehicle collisions.
There are many significant safety hazards in a construction work
environment, and it is critical to reduce those hazards when possible.
Elimination of unnecessary hazards such as those caused by cell phone
usage is critical for the safety of heavy equipment operators and others
at the work site.
Safe Work Practices & Tips:
 Cell phone usage can cause inattention on the job site.
 Co-workers can be distracted by others’ cell phone usage.
 Inattention and distraction may result in property damage or
personal injury.
 Never use a cell phone while operating equipment. Make use of
voice mail and return calls during breaks or equipment downtime.
 Turn cell phones off near any refueling station or hazardous
chemicals, and obey all signs and instructions.
 Never use a cell phone to send or receive text message while
operating equipment.
 Store your cell phone in a location that will prevent its ring from
startling you or anyone in the work area.
 Do not operate a cell phone near a flammable liquid.