The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has teamed up with the Mine Safety and Health Administration to issue a “distracted driving” safety alert. The alert is urging operators to “Turn off you cell phone while operating off-road equipment.” The AEM and MSHA sent out a press release that says:
The alert is the latest project from the AEM/MSHA Alliance, which focuses on best practices to minimize risks in equipment operation and maintenance.
We know in today’s connected world that it’s more important than ever to remind workers to focus on the job and be alert and aware and mindful of their environment and safety,’ stated Mike Pankonin, AEM senior director of technical and safety services.
My first thoughts were, “Is this really something that heavy equipment operators truly need to be reminded of? Shouldn’t this be a ‘no-brainer?’ Wouldn’t training and supervision alone keep this from happening?” Distracted heavy equipment operation should not be a thing.
Maybe it is. Maybe if I followed the Web links listed on the press release, they would offer some news stories and/or statistics to back up the safety alert.
The press release offered a downloadable PDF file and said it could be posted on bulletin boards, used in safety talks, or given as a handout.
This is the graphic:
And below is the text that accompanied the graphic:
CELL PHONES AND MOBILE EQUIPMENT DON’T MIX
Cell phone use while operating mobile equipment is a form of distracted driving and is extremely dangerous. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that cell phones are involved in 6,000 auto fatalities each year. Operating mobile equipment has inherent risks that can be mitigated by training, supervision, maintaining equipment in proper operating condition, and following established procedures; however, using a cell phone introduces the hazard of distracting the equipment operator and increases the chances of being involved in an accident dramatically. Consider the following facts about cell phone usage in the automotive industry that can be translated into the operation of off-road equipment:
- The risks of operating mobile equipment while intoxicated are widely known, but using a cell phone can be up to six times worse.
- In a reaction test, a driver who was using a cell phone took over twice as long to react to a red light than when the driver was legally impaired by alcohol.
- Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
- Currently, 46 states have laws banning texting while operating a vehicle.
Using your cell phone while operating mobile equipment takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off operating the equipment. No call, text or email is worth the risk.
The press release concluded with a link to a page on AEM’s website that, get this, sells safety materials.
Don’t get me wrong. I respect and appreciate all the work that AEM does for the industry. That’s why I’m interested in every press release it sends out. And I sincerely hope all operators heed the warnings and message contained in this particular item.
But…
What do you think?
