Construction Law
Why Your Construction Site Needs a Cell Phone Policy Part 1
We live in a mobile world. With so many useful and entertaining features, we’ve quickly become dependent on our phones. This can be problematic when it comes to cell phone use and activities that require our full attention. According to a study by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center 80 percent of the 94 million cell phone owners in the United States use them while driving. This is a major factor in the 284,000 accidents per year involving distracted drivers.
These stats translate to the construction site where the daily use of heavy machinery combined with cell phone use can also have a disastrous impact. There are stories of workers who have severed fingers on construction sites because they were using their cell phones while operating a saw among other stories. For worker safety, among other reasons, it’s important to have cell phone policy on your construction site. Having a cell phone policy can also have a legal impact so it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of an Orlando construction lawyer to help produce it.
Here are a few reasons why a cell phone policy is important for your construction site. Part two of this series will focus on additional legal issues surrounding cell phone use.
Safety of Employees
A number of reports have indicated that using a cell phone while operating an automobile may be more dangerous than drinking and driving. Most sites have policies prohibiting intoxication while working. Cell phone use should be prohibited on job sites, especially if workers are using heavy or dangerous equipment. Even if workers aren’t operating heavy machinery, cell phone use is dangerous because it’s important to stay focused to avoid contact with vehicles or machinery.
Reduction in Productivity
Loss of productivity has been an issue in nearly all industries. Cell phones allow us to do so much more, but their allure tends to distract us from daily work. There are times when workers need to use cell phones and that’s why it’s important to integrate “cell phone” breaks into the day. Also, it’s important to have a protocol should family members need to reach employees in the event of an emergency.
Liability Issues for Drivers
If an employee gets into an accident while in a company vehicle, the company can be found liable. As mentioned previously, cell phone use can be a tremendous distraction for drivers. Not having a cell phone policy in place opens the door to a potential lawsuit, should an accident occur.
To request a consultation with one of our experienced Orlando construction lawyers, please call us today at 407.378.6575 or submit our contact request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.