The distraction caused by cellphones isn’t a problem that exists only on highways. Employees in California may find it shocking that cellphone-related distractions in the workplace have become prevalent in workers’ compensation claims. While mainly in the construction industry, distractions are an avoidable distraction in the workplace that can lead to serious injury or worse.
A deadly combination
Many contractors find themselves having to drive for work regularly. Typically, this time spent on the road pertains to the job being performed or being in transit between one job site and another. Cellphone usage during this time on the highway can lead to accidents that result in workers’ compensation claims.
It’s no secret that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on the roads. When that time driving is also a work-related task, the distraction becomes a driving issue along with a workers’ compensation problem.
At the job site
A 2019 study performed by JBKnowledge indicated that 90% of construction companies use mobile devices on job sites to help employees perform key tasks that they are asked to do each day. While there are useful tools that can be found on a smart phone, there is also a litany of distractions available. These distractions become dangerous when placed in the context of working with power tools or working on scaffolding or ladders.
An employee who is injured at work, whether through distraction or other means, may want to immediately contact an attorney to help them with the workers’ compensation process. This attorney may review the details of the incident and the state’s labor laws to ensure that their client is eligible to receive financial compensation for lost wages due to the injury.