25 Jun Workplace Distraction Safety

Workplace Distraction Safety

Distractions and interruptions are common in the workplace, but when they interfere with concentration, they can contribute to errors, injuries, equipment damage, and reduced productivity. This is especially important during construction, industrial, driving, equipment-operation, and other safety-sensitive activities where a momentary loss of attention can have serious consequences.

Employees should recognize potential distractions, minimize them whenever possible, and avoid distracting coworkers who are performing critical tasks.

Guide for Discussion

Stay Focused on the Task

Keep your attention on the work you are performing, particularly when operating tools, machinery, vehicles, or mobile equipment.

• Avoid unnecessary conversations while performing safety-sensitive work.
• Do not attempt to perform another activity while operating equipment or completing a critical task.
• If an interruption requires your attention, safely stop, secure, or disengage the equipment or process before responding.
• After an interruption, take a moment to determine where you left off before resuming the task.
• Follow established procedures rather than relying on memory after being interrupted.
• Never distract someone who is operating equipment or performing a task requiring concentration.

Control Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Cell phones and other electronic devices can create significant distractions.

• Follow company and site-specific rules regarding electronic-device use.
• Never text, read messages, browse, or otherwise use a handheld device while operating a vehicle or mobile equipment.
• Do not use electronic devices while operating machinery or performing other safety-sensitive tasks.
• Allow nonessential calls and messages to wait until the task is complete or you are in a safe location.
• Silence unnecessary notifications during work.
• Use phones only in designated or otherwise safe areas when required by company policy.

An urgent message is not a reason to place yourself or others at risk.

Be Careful with Headphones and Earbuds

Headphones, earbuds, and similar devices may prevent employees from hearing important workplace sounds.

Do not use them where they could interfere with your ability to hear:

• Vehicle or equipment backup alarms.
• Horns and warning signals.
• Emergency alarms.
• Verbal warnings or instructions.
• Approaching vehicles or mobile equipment.
• Changes in machinery or equipment sounds that could indicate a problem.

Hearing protection required for hazardous noise exposure is different from recreational headphones and must be used as directed.

Manage Noise and Other Distractions

Construction and industrial workplaces may contain many competing sources of noise and activity.

• Remain aware of moving equipment, coworkers, and changing work conditions.
• Maintain adequate communication when working around noisy equipment.
• Eliminate unnecessary noise when practical.
• Use required hearing protection in designated areas.
• Avoid allowing conversations, radios, or other activities to interfere with communication or concentration.

Avoid Distracted Walking

Distraction is also hazardous when simply moving through a worksite.

• Watch where you are walking.
• Do not read or type messages while walking through active work areas.
• Stop in a safe location before using a phone or other device.
• Look and listen before crossing equipment travel routes.
• Stay alert around forklifts, cranes, vehicles, machinery, stairs, and uneven surfaces.
• Never allow a phone conversation or electronic device to distract you from surrounding hazards.

Avoid Distracting Others

Your actions can affect another employee’s safety.

Before interrupting someone, consider whether they are:

• Operating machinery or equipment.
• Driving or directing a vehicle.
• Performing electrical work.
• Working at height.
• Handling hazardous materials.
• Lifting or rigging a load.
• Performing another task requiring their full attention.

Wait until the employee reaches a safe stopping point whenever possible.

Remember

A distraction that lasts only a few seconds can be enough to cause a serious accident. Keep your attention on the task, control unnecessary interruptions, use electronic devices only when it is safe to do so, and avoid distracting coworkers performing safety-sensitive work.