A ringing cell phone… family issues… the weekend fishing trip…text messages…ball game scores… funny pet videos…the glare of the sun… and we could go on and on. Sometimes they are outside distractions, such as a phone call, text, or equipment issue (such as discussed in our Crane Cab Series). Other times they are internal distractions, such as medical concern, personal issue, or plans for a future event. But, it only takes a momentary distraction for one’s life to be permanently altered—meaning operators have to be on their game 100% of the time.
Outside Distractions – Calls, Texts, Games and More
First, let us say that cell phones are an excellent way to communicate are a very useful tool to have in ones arsenal, but experience has shown that they have a penchant for being abused. Any tool no matter how useful when not properly employed can be dangerous.
Before technology became such an integral part of every day life, it used to be that operators might have a radio in the cab, perhaps to listen to a ball game, or maybe just background music. Even this might be distracting, or might prevent the operator from hearing something amiss with the equipment’s machinery that should have been detected. Now we see it more and more in our culture, day in and day out, people are distracted by their phones in ways never dreamed of just a few short years ago.
Cell phones have gone beyond the simple use of talking to another person, now they are mini computers in our hands. Email is expected to be looked at several times a day and whole conversations take place via text, when a simple phone call would have worked. We can be plugged in 24/7 thru social media, such as Facebook or Twitter. We might feel the need to be entertained through Netflix, YouTube or reach the next level in Angry Birds. We might listen to tunes or a game directly through earbuds to block out other noises or dim the hum of the engine.
But when operating a crane, don’t do it! Don’t take the risk of bumping a lever in an effort to get your phone out and answer a call or skip a song. Don’t take your eye off the load or signal person to read a text, and for heaven’s sake don’t try to watch a show or game while operating. When these safety standards are ignored, serious accidents can happen.
Not only is this sound advice, in the United States it is law. OSHA forbids the use of a cell phone while operating a crane in 1926 Subpart CC 1926.1417(d), which states; “The [crane or derrick] operator must not engage in any practice or activity that diverts his/her attention while actually engaged in operating the equipment, such as the use of cellular phones (other than when used for signal communications).” And if the cell phone is used for receiving signals, OSHA standard 1926.1420(c) requires that “the operator’s reception of signals must be by a hands-free system.”
Due to the dangers associated with working on or around cranes this must be enforced by all companies that own cranes, as well as the contractors and operators that use them. While these OSHA regulations are specific to crane operations, Crane Tech teaches that the use of a cell phone by other types of heavy equipment operators (earth moving, bucket trucks, aerial lifts) should be prohibited as well. For those employees, who are not operating but working around heavy equipment, make sure to work distraction free too—keeping your mind on the task at hand and the environment you are working in. Only use cell phones when you have stepped away from the active work site and keep the ear buds out, wearing proper hearing protection when warranted.
When it comes to cell phone usage while driving mobile cranes to and from the job site, you must rely on state, local municipality, and employer policies. Talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving is banned in 14 states and the District of Columbia and text messaging is banned for all drivers in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
So where do you stand on the use of cell phones by operators and crews? Do you have a policy against it? Do employees abide by it? Do you let each worker manage themselves? Do you see it as a non-issue? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know by commenting or Emailing and stay tuned next week for more on keeping distractions out and your head in the game.
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