Good Afternoon,

Smartphones have forever changed the way people work and interact with one another. There has come a lot of good things from the advancement in cell phone technology and capabilities. However, with the good comes a lot of distractions and possible dangerous outcomes regarding cell phones in the workplace. This resource is meant to bring awareness and statistics to show the importance of proper cell phone etiquette traveling to the workplace as well as on the job.

1. Accidents While Driving for Work

• In 2023, 24% of construction companies reported at least one work‑related accident caused by distraction from mobile phone use while driving—up from 20% in 2022.
• 66% of construction business owners expressed concern about liability due to employee distracted driving, while 68% enforce official mobile‑phone policies during driving.

2. Distraction in Industrial Settings

• A 2020 study of 1,019 U.S. workers found:
• 14% had experienced at least one workplace accident due to smartphone distraction.
• In industrial settings, this jumped to 26% of workers .
• Among these accidents, 75% caused property damage and 58% led to injury or death .

3. Productivity & Safety Loss

• 2.5 hours per day on non‑work phone use was estimated for average workers, impacting both productivity and safety .
• Frequent distractions—social media, texting, calls, photos—have risen significantly (e.g. +13% increase in social‑media checking).

Its is important to know that an effective cell phone policy can not only make a difference with everyone's safety but also productivity and insurance costs.

Here are a few recommendations your company can consider:

1. Strict phone‑use policies that restrict phone use in active zones and while operating equipment—typically enforced via zero‑tolerance rules, warning signs or toolbox talks .
2. Designated phone‑use areas that allow phones only during breaks or in specific safe zones, reducing on‑site distractions.
3. Technology‑Based Controls Solutions like Truce Software’s CMDM can suppress distracting apps (e.g. social media) in hazardous areas, reducing accidents by 35–45% on company issued phones.

For more resources and statistics, see the following links that were referenced in the statements above:

• EHS Today

• Construction Dive-Safety & Productivity

• Construction Dive –Construction's Most Universal Hazard

We encourage anyone interested in participating in the NYECA Safety Committee to reach out to evangelista@nyeca.org.

The next Safety Committee meeting will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, you may reach out to the Association Office.

Thank You.