Hi Isobel,
I can't see that it poses a significant H&S risk. I can see plenty of reasons for a policy but don't think the H&S approach would do the cause any good.

Isobel

Some of the Main Contractors now have sensibly banned the use of Mobile phones on site apart from designated areas. These have been set up in thye form of smoking sheds.
It has to be best practice if you imagine a Crane Operator on his phone being banked by a man on his phone to a man poring concrete whilst on his phone! Very Safe!

No policy as I have no sites but think along the lines mentioned.

Regards Alex

I actually see how the use of mobile phones can pose significant risks. I'm not from a construction background but where I work (food industry) we have had instances when operators are on their mobile phones whilst operating some dangerous pieces of kit. We do have a policy on this and it is "MOBILE PHONES NOT ALLOWED" some of the management team members are allowed the use of mobile phones, however, it is instructed to keep it for business purposes and maintained to a minimum whilst inside the manufacturing areas. (this arrangement is clearly explained to operatives with justification)

I don't see the need to go for an overcomplicated policy on this but I think one should exist depending on the risks and tasks involved

I don't have a policy, but it seems pretty sensible to have one, epsecially bearing in mind a couple of the examples posted here. Whether that means a blanket ban is something else but there are clearly some situations where the distraction could have the same sort of catastrophic affect as driving while on a mobile.