Cargo Chat is a discussion forum on cargo handling, safety and health, and related matters of interest, for Forkliftaction.com News readers. It is specially prepared for Forkliftaction.com News by ICHCA International, a representative organisation of international cargo-handling interests. The column is based on ICHCA's bimonthly e-newsletter and International Safety Panel activities.

This month we pick up on a subject recently discussed and considered by ICHCA International's International Safety Panel

Working with mobile phones

Mobile phones are now a regular feature of life for many people all over the world and they have undoubtedly improved communications and enabled individuals to stay in touch. They are seen almost everywhere nowadays. Their very flexibility, however, means that there is a very practical safety aspect to this. Because they can be used virtually everywhere, there is a natural human tendency to do just that. Some countries have banned the use of hand operated mobiles whilst the user is driving a vehicle on the country's highways and, with some accidents attributed to lack of attention, it is understandable. For the same reasons, it has also become an issue with regard to plant and vehicles being driven whilst at work, with a resultant lack of attention that could contribute to accidents. This has resulted in the International Safety Panel debating the matter in relation to port operations and, following considerable discussion, adopting a statement. That is -

This Panel believes that any cargo handling facility should have a policy on the use of mobile (/cell) phones at work in relation to safety. The Panel does not condone their use by cargo handling equipment operators whilst driving their machines at work and any use anywhere on the operational area should only be permitted after an appropriate risk assessment

This statement is commended to readers and if any reader does not have a policy on this matter, it is recommended that it develops one. As with all of its publications/statements/ initiatives, the Panel will review this in due course but its firm view at this time is as stated.

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Contact ICHCA International:
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Tel: +44 (0) 1708 735295 Fax: +44 (0) 1708 735225
Email: info@ichcainternational.co.uk
Website: www.ichcainternational.co.uk