Posted By Homer I'm looking for some good words and guidance. We don't want to blanket ban mobiles on site and recognise particularly as they are a great communication tool for site based staff. However we have noticed that some of the workers are using the mobiles to make calls and texts whilst at work and they are taking the eye off the 'safety ball' so to speak. I'm sure some of us have already experienced this and I am looking for sensible guidance on policy. Any good examples that I could view, would be greatly appreciated?

Posted By Homer Yes I do see your point but this is a safety question some of our sites are very remote and we respect that people have families, we just don't want them walking around scaffolds etc. whilst on the phone even if it's an emergency. So how do we word it???

Posted By Alan Haynes "So how do we word it??? You will have problems with this - you will probably never achieve a total ban on phones being used. A couple of things I would suggest you consider are that;- "phones may only be used when the user is 'in a position of safety' and 'not carrying out any work activity'" Also - you might consider whether hand free phones [bluetooth etc] might be more dangerous, because of the temptation to carry on working. Any 'rule' will need to be strongly briefed in at Induction, and rigorously enforced [If you can't/don't enforce it - its a 'bad' rule]

Posted By steve e ashton It may be worth mentioning that you will have more willing acceptance of site prohibition / restriction if your company is complying with its CDM duty to provide suitable welfare facilities including lockers for personal effects. ie give 'em somewhere to put their 'phones, so they are not tempted to break the rules. Anyone needing to conduct personal business at morning or lunch break - or when travelling home - will not need to feel quite so 'bereft'. Steve