OHS PROGRAM – SAFE WORK PRACTICES
SWP #: 04-01 Created: Sep/2022 Last rev: Feb/2024 Rev.1.1 1 of 3
CELL PHONES USE
SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION
Prepared by: We The Safe Consulting Inc. Phone #: 604-299-8217
Site/Project: Site Address: Prime Contractor/Client:
Prime Contact Person (Position & Name): Phone #:
On-Site Contact Person (Position & Name): Phone #:
Scope of Work Performed: Use of cell phone at the workplace and similar distractions
Any additional documents required? Y N (Hot work permits, Lift plan, Toolbox talk, etc.)
If YES, please indicate type and reason:
SECTION 2 – HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (all workers must wear the basic PPE and specialized PPE as required by site and task)
Controls (PPE, Equipment, Training, Documents,
Task/activity steps Potential Hazards present
etc.)
• Use of cell phone during work. • Injuries to self or others resulting from • Follow SWP
distractions • Focus on task at hand
• Equipment/property damage from • Move away from hazard area if using
distractions cell phone
SECTION 3 – PRACTICES
PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES
Where multiple trade activity is scheduled, the general contractor is to review in advance the priority of work and schedule the
appropriate time frame to allow each trade to complete their scope of work.
Prior to any work commencing supervisors must conduct a hazard assessment of all applicable work areas. Any hazards that are found
during the hazard assessment must be addressed prior to any work commencing.
GENERAL GUIDELINE FOR WORKING SAFELY
DOs:
1. Comply with OH&S Regulations.
2. Wear and use the required PPE and ensure that any equipment to be used is in proper working conditions.
3. Ensure the general public is protected by closing off / barricading areas which pose a hazard.
4. If you’re driving and your vehicle does not have a hands-free option – let the call go to voice mail.
5. If you must use the phone, then pull over to a safe location to answer or make the call or have a passenger answer or place the
call for you if necessary.
6. Keep speaker, key tone, ring tone volumes to a reasonable level so as not to distract or startle others.
7. If you must use the phone when operating any machinery, equipment or power tools, stop work first before answering.
8. Take hands off any machinery that can not be stopped before answering your call.
9. Take a few steps back from any hazard, such as an edge, traffic route, scaffold being erected, etc. before you answer.
DON’Ts:
© We The Safe Consulting Inc.
1. Don’t use cell, satellite or radio phones for calls, text, browsing, taking notes, or looking up information while driving or operating
machinery, equipment or power tools.
2. Do not use the phone around flammable or explosive materials.
3. Do not use your phone while refueling any car or machine.
4. Do not use your phone when on ladders.
5. Do not operate any machinery or power tools when using a cell phone.
OHS PROGRAM – SAFE WORK PRACTICES
SWP #: 04-01 Created: Sep/2022 Last rev: Feb/2024 Rev.1.1 2 of 3
SAFE WORK PRACTICES
• Recognize that operation of vehicles, machinery, equipment, or power tools require your full attention.
• Avoid the use of cell phones in hazardous conditions due to weather, road conditions or otherwise.
• Cellular telephones shall be turned off in locations where it is posted that they may cause interference with other electronic
equipment (Medical Care Facilities).
• Cellular telephones shall be turned off when refueling vehicles, during inspections of propane or gasoline dispensing facilities,
or other locations where an explosive/flammable atmosphere may be present.
• Avoid using earphones or ear buds in operations that require audible communications with other vehicle operators (i.e.,
forklift operators, crane operators).
INCOMING CALLS WHILE DRIVING
• Allow voice mail to handle calls and return them when safe to do so.
• If necessary, to answer the phone, stop the vehicle in a safe location.
• Answer the call.
• If unsafe or you are unable to pull over and the call must be answered, ask a passenger to advise the caller you are driving and
request the caller to hold while you find a safe location to pull over.
• Inform regular callers the best time to reach you based on your driving schedule.
OUTGOING CALLS WHILE DRIVING
• Attempt to make all calls or other communications before departing on a trip or after arriving at your destination.
• Pull off the road to a safe location before making or returning cell phone calls or any form of electronic communication.
• Do not make any outgoing calls, send text messages or other electronic communications while the vehicle is in motion.
WHILE WORKING
• As in driving, your work tasks require your full attention.
• If your job requires you to use a cell phone, do not talk or answer the phone while you are performing another task which
requires your attention.
• Select a safe spot, away from other workers, crane operations and moving equipment, to make or receive your calls.
• Avoid texting while walking in crowds or on stairs, or while standing on scaffolding, ladders, and escalators.
SECTION 4 – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/COMMENTS
Any applicable rules outside the workplace not mentioned here must always be followed when in company business. For example:
• Gas stations with “No Cell Phone” signs.
• While driving, unless used with a hands-free device.
• A customer facility where cell phones are not allowed to be used for any reason.
© We The Safe Consulting Inc.
OHS PROGRAM – SAFE WORK PRACTICES
SWP #: 04-01 Created: Sep/2022 Last rev: Feb/2024 Rev.1.1 3 of 3
SECTION 5– SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION (TO ADD)
SECTION 6 – SIGNATURES (Please print name and sign below)
Revised by Superintendent/Supervisor: Revised by JOHS Committee/Worker Representative:
___________________________ Date: __________________ __________________________ Date: ________________
ALL WORKERS INVOLVED IN THIS TASK MUST BE INSTRUCTED ON THIS PROCEDURE AND SIGNED BELOW.
USE ADDITIONAL SIGN-OFF SHEETS WHEN NEEDED
# Name (print) Signature Date
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© We The Safe Consulting Inc.
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