Corprate Cell Phone Policy

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hands-free devices
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Corprate
Cell Phone Policy
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of workplace death. The
National Safety Council reports cell phone use as a contributing
factor in nearly 1 in 4 motor vehicle crashes. When an employee is
involved in a crash, it can be devastating, but employers also face
ongoing liability, insurance, productivity and absenteeism costs.
NSC believes the best practice is to ban cell phone use behind
the wheel, including hands-free devices. Currently, no state law
addresses both hands-free and handheld cell phone use among all
drivers for talking and text messaging. NSC recommends employer
policies exceed state law requirements.
Sample Cell Phone Policy
Employees may not use cell phones or mobile electronic devices
while operating a motor vehicle under any of the following
situations, regardless of whether a hands-free device is used:
• When the employee is operating a vehicle owned, leased or
rented by the organization
TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES
• Let colleagues and clients know in advance that,
for safety reasons, you do not answer your cell
phone while driving – you can also mention this on
your voicemail greeting.
• If appropriate, leave an estimated arrival time on
your voicemail greeting so callers will know when
to expect you.
• When traveling in poor weather, heavy traffic or
for long periods of time, plan for breaks to regularly
check in with callers. Pull off the road and park
somewhere safe.
• Let calls go to voice mail and check in at your
earliest convenience.
For more information on creating or enhancing a
corporate cell phone policy, including a free Cell
Phone Policy Kit, visit distracteddriving.nsc.org.
• When the employee is operating a personal motor vehicle in
connection with organization business
• When the motor vehicle is on the organization’s property
• When the cell phone or mobile electronic device is company
owned or leased
• When the employee is using the cell phone or mobile electronic
device to conduct organization business
0411 000082947 © 2011 National Safety Council
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Workplace Falls
Falls to a lower level is the second leading cause of workplace
fatalities.* Falling from a height, such as a ladder or scaffolding,
typically involves head or multiple-body-part injuries and results
in more days away from work than typical injuries. Workers in the
construction industry are most at risk of falls to a lower level.
REMEMBER
You are the person most responsible
for your own safety. Wear appropriate
safety equipment and, if you have
concerns, talk to your supervisor.
In comparison, falls to the same level tend to be less severe, but
occur more frequently. These injuries – including sprains and strains
– most often involve the lower extremities or multiple body parts.
The transportation and warehousing industries have the highest rate
of these types of injuries.
When performing a job at an elevated height, be sure to use the
appropriate fall protection. OSHA requires employers to provide
training for workers who may be exposed to fall hazards. This
training must be conducted by a competent person and should
address the following topics:
• The nature of fall hazards in the work area
• Correct procedures for inspecting and
maintaining fall protection systems
• Use and operation of fall protection systems
• Limitations of fall protection systems
• The role of workers in the fall protection plan
• When a personal fall arrest system
is necessary
• The type of personal fall arrest system
needed
• How the fall arrest system works and
is worn
• Proper maintenance of the fall arrest system
*According to Injury Facts 2011 edition, based on 2008 data
0411 000082947 © 2011 National Safety Council
For more safety tips from the
National Safety Council, visit nsc.org.
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Overexertion
Overexertion is the third leading cause of unintentional injuries
treated in emergency rooms in the United States, according to
Injury Facts.* In fact, overexertion injuries are the largest contributor
to the economic burden of disabling workplace injuries. The most
common overexertion injuries are strains and sprains, especially to
the lower back.
Your physical health has a lot to do with protection against back
injury. Contrary to popular belief, anyone can be at risk for back injury,
not only workers who lift heavy objects. To help prevent back injuries,
you must understand what causes them.
• Poor body mechanics. The way your body adjusts to keep its
balance can be upset if you sit or stand in an unnatural position,
twist abruptly or awkwardly, or lift something incorrectly.
• Poor muscle tone. Weak, under-exercised muscles rob the
back of its support and increase your chance of injury.
• Extra weight. Excess weight can exaggerate the curve of the
spine and strain your back.
• High heels. These shoes deepen the curve of the lower
back and force the pelvis to make up for it by tilting
backward.
• Personal factors. Stress, anxiety and depression
can cause muscles to tighten and throw your back
into a spasm.
For more safety tips from the
National Safety Council, visit nsc.org.
*According to Injury Facts 2011 edition, based on 2008 data
0411 000082947 © 2011 National Safety Council
REMEMBER
Don’t Back Down on Fitness.
The more physically fit you are, the less likely you
will be to have a back injury. Take the following into
consideration:
• Perform tasks to strengthen the appropriate
muscles and reduce the likelihood of injury. Avoid
manual tasks your body isn’t used to.
• Exercise abdominal and leg muscles. The stronger
they are, the less your back has to work. Consult
your physician before starting a new workout
routine.
Proper posture also can help prevent
back injuries.
The following guidelines can help:
• Lying down. Lying is the least stressful position
for the lower back. Lie on your side, on a firm
mattress, with your knees bent.
• Standing. Try to keep your ears, shoulders and
hips in a straight line.
• Sitting. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Adjust
the chair height so your elbows are even with
the work surface. Make sure
you have lower back support.
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Ergonomics
Ergonomics involves designing and arranging workspaces so people
can work efficiently and safely. Ergonomics is used to evaluate how
you do your work to identify any risk factors that might lead to injury,
and to find the best solution to eliminate or manage the hazard.
Capabilities and limitations are then taken into account to ensure
tasks, equipment and the environment suit the worker.
4 Main Ergonomic Risk Factors:
•Environment: Risks found within your work environment
•Equipment: Risks associated with the equipment you use
DID YOU KNOW?
Common ergonomic-related symptoms include:
• Pain • Swelling
• Tingling
• Tenderness • Numbness
• Difficulty moving or using an extremity
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult
your physician as soon as possible. Common
ergonomic problems include bursitis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, tendonitis and tension in the neck and
shoulders.
•Work Practices: Risks caused by work requirements, processes
or procedures
Other suggestions to prevent or eliminate
ergonomic risk factors:
•Individual: Risks unique to you as an individual, such as physical
characteristics, habits and behavior
• Alternate repetitive tasks with non-repetitive
tasks at regular intervals
Ergonomic conditions are disorders of the soft tissues, specifically
of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood
vessels and spinal discs. If you experience pain or injury in your soft
tissues, it might be caused by factors such as:
• Increase the number of short breaks you take
throughout the day
•Repetition
•Awkward posture
•Vibration
• Work at a comfortable pace
• Force
• Contact stress
For more safety tips from the
National Safety Council,
visit nsc.org.
0411 000082947 © 2011 National Safety Council
• Consult a safety professional about your
work environment
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¿Está confundido con respecto
a por qué los dispositivos
manos libres no son
beneficiosos para la seguridad?
Visite thebrain.nsc.org
Política empresarial
sobre uso de
teléfonos celulares
Los accidentes automovilísticos son la causa n.1 de muerte en el lugar de
trabajo. National Safety Council (NSC, Consejo de Seguridad Nacional)
informa que el uso del teléfono celular es un factor que contribuye a
casi 1 de cada 4 accidentes automovilísticos. Cuando un empleado
está involucrado en un accidente, puede ser devastador, pero los
empleadores también enfrentan obligaciones continuas, costos de
seguro, productividad y por ausentismo.
NSC considera que la mejor práctica es prohibir el uso de teléfonos
celulares mientras se conduce, ni siquiera dispositivos manos libres.
Actualmente, ninguna ley estatal abarca tanto el uso de teléfonos manos
libres como los convencionales en los conductores para hablar o enviar/
recibir mensajes de texto. NSC recomienda que las políticas de los
empleadores superen los requisitos legales estatales.
Ejemplo de política empresarial sobre
uso de teléfonos celulares
SUGERENCIAS PARA EMPLEADOS
• Infórmele a sus colegas y clientes por adelantado
que, por cuestiones de seguridad, usted no atiende
el teléfono celular mientras conduce. También puede
mencionar esto en el saludo de su correo de voz.
i corresponde, deje un horario estimado de llegada
• S
en el saludo de su correo de voz para que las personas
que llamen sepan cuándo esperarlo.
uando viaje con mal tiempo, mucho tráfico o por
• C
períodos prolongados, planifique descansos para
hablar con quienes lo llamaron con regularidad.
Salga de la carretera y estacione el auto en un
lugar seguro.
eje que las llamadas vayan al correo de voz y hable
• D
con quien lo llamó apenas pueda.
Para obtener más información sobre cómo crear
o mejorar una política empresarial sobre el uso de
teléfonos celulares, que incluye un conjunto gratuito
de políticas sobre uso de teléfonos celulares, visite
distracteddriving.nsc.org.
Los empleados no deben utilizar teléfonos celulares ni dispositivos
electrónicos móviles mientras conducen un automóvil, bajo ninguna
de las siguientes situaciones, sin importar que se esté utilizando un
dispositivo manos libres:
• Cuando el empleado está conduciendo un vehículo que pertenece a
la organización o que ha sido alquilado por ella.
• Cuando el empleado está conduciendo un vehículo propio en
relación con la actividad comercial de la organización.
• Cuando el automóvil está en la propiedad de la organización.
• Cuando el teléfono celular o dispositivo electrónico móvil pertenece
a la compañía o fue alquilado por ella.
• Cuando el empleado está usando el teléfono celular o el dispositivo
electrónico móvil para realizar actividades comerciales de la organización.
0411 000082947 © 2011 National Safety Council
members
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