WorldWide Drilling Resource

Distracted Driving can be Deadly Adapted from a Press Release by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Turn off your cell phone while operating off-road equipment! The message seems simple enough, yet distracted driving continues to be an issue. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) have joined forces to develop a safety alert highlighting the hazards of distracted driving on the work site. The safety alert can be downloaded and posted on bulletin boards, used in safety talks, or given to contractors and miners as a handout. It is one of the latest projects from the AEM/MSHAAlliance, which focuses on best practices to minimize risks in equipment operation and maintenance. In today’s connected world, it’s more important than ever to remind workers to focus on the job; to be alert, aware, and mindful of the environment and safety. Did you know? • The risks of using a cell phone while operating mobile equipment can be up to six times worse than the risks of operating mobile equipment while intoxicated. • Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds and at 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. “Cell phone usage on the job is a dangerous distraction and can lead to injury or death,” stated Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. “Through our alliance with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, MSHA is working to foster safer mining workplaces by, among other things, providing industry with vital information emphasizing the safe use and operation of mobile and powered haulage equipment. Powered haulage is the leading category of fatalities in metal and nonmetal mining. Over the past five years, there have been 29 fatalities in powered haulage. Distractions caused by cell phone use greatly increase the risk.” 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 e-mail is worth the risk. 33 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® OCTOBER 2016