Workplace Safety: Phone Etiquette Training Course

Cell phones have become an essential part of everyday life, but their use in the workplace can lead to serious issues affecting safety, productivity, and professionalism. The average person checks their phone every ten minutes, and each interruption can take over twenty minutes to regain full concentration. In this training, you will learn why cell phone use is such an issue in the workplace, including the dangers of distracted driving, and suggestions for phone etiquette and policies. Our cell phones are an important part of our daily lives, but there is a time and place to use them safely and efficiently!

Constant notifications, social media alerts, and the temptation to multitask contribute to reduced efficiency and lower work quality. While it’s unrealistic to avoid phones entirely, employees can practice good phone etiquette by limiting personal use to scheduled breaks, silencing notifications during work hours, and stepping away from their desks for personal calls. Respecting company cell phone policies helps maintain fairness, professionalism, and focus across the team. These policies also promote a positive work culture by ensuring everyone follows the same standards and reducing potential distractions that affect job performance.

However, the risks of cell phone use extend beyond the workplace, especially for employees who drive as part of their job. Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind stray from the task of driving, and it can have deadly consequences. OSHA’s Distracted Driving Initiative requires employers to enforce clear policies prohibiting texting and driving and to avoid any practices that might encourage it.

This course will help you understand the importance of putting the phone away at work and when behind the wheel, and offers practical suggestions for both employers and employees on ways to maintain a productive workplace. Ultimately, practicing responsible phone use helps protect lives, improve productivity, and create a safer, more professional workplace.

This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.