Mobile devices create their own safety distractions

While the workplace safety industry is readily adopting apps into its programs, getting workers on board can be a challenge and can introduce more risks, according to experts.

“The real challenge is the increased use of mobile devices on a factory floor or a construction site can lead to distractions,” said John Dony, director of the Campbell Institute at the Itasca, Illinois-based National Safety Council.

Numerous studies have explored the dangers of using a mobile device while driving a car, and the institute has expanded that notion to walking, he said.

“Distracted walking; it’s not just for driving,” he said. “With any new technology like this, there is risk. You don’t want people talking on the phone at work, but then you want them to use their phones to report” incidents.

A way around the risk is to use shared tablets in a centralized location at a job site, he said.

Christien Ducker, founder and president of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Safety Management Systems Inc., said complexity is another concern — the more difficult an app is to use, the greater the risk no one will use it.

“I love to get out there in the field and talk to (workers),” she said. “The adoption by the field workers is critical, and so I like to ask them what works.” “Once they understand what we are doing and why, then they have their ideas,” she said. “You have to make it simple and not overcomplicate. Unless you make it simple, they are not going to use it.”