Smartphone Distractions
General Safety | 10-15 min
Summary
Research from the University of Texas found that the mere presence of a smartphone on your desk reduces cognitive capacity, even when the phone is face-down, silenced, and you're not looking at it. The average person checks their phone 96 times per day - approximately once every 10 minutes during waking hours. This constant connection creates a persistent mental distraction that diverts attention from safety-critical tasks.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Phones distract even when not being used
- Notifications trigger the urge to check
- Put phones on silent during safety-critical work
- Designate phone-free zones in hazardous areas
- Take scheduled breaks to check messages
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.