Work interruptions and distraction can result in performance errors, injuries, or lost productivity. Although there are some workplace distractions or interruptions may be unavoidable others can be controlled or regulated. Avoid interrupting other workers during a critical job phase or process. When possible, refer to onsite instruction manuals and procedural guidebooks. If you must interrupt other workers, make them aware of your presence so that you don’t startle them and cause an injury. Before responding to another worker, shut down or disengage the work tool, equipment, or process.

Electronic devices such as cell phones, IPODS and PDA’s can be the source of serious distractions in some work environments. Check with your supervisor to find out if these devices are allowed where you work. If approved in your workplace, keep your cell phone on a low volume or silent when you work. To maximize work safety and performance, turn email notifications off and disable instant messaging.

For some workers wearing a headset with low volume music can be relaxing and help to focus on a task. However, wearing head phones in an industrial site can be dangerous if it prevents you from hearing warning signals, mobile equipment backup alarms, and safety instructions. Walking around while talking on the phone or wearing a headset can distract your attention from safety and could result in a slip or fall or cause you to run into our be struck by something or someone. Where loud or constant noise from tools and equipment is unavoidable, hearing protection devices can eliminate or decrease unwanted and distracting noise. In other work environments even not-so-loud sounds can be a distracting annoyance. Constantly ringing phones, conversations, and loud faxes, copiers, and printers can distract workers from their job tasks or – depending on the level or duration of the noise – can contribute to workplace stress. Don’t answer the phone or emails when you’re in the middle of a task – let it ring to voicemail then check messages later – preferably on your break time.

Workplace distractions and interruptions are common, but remember to keep your mind on the task at hand. Tell your supervisor about repeated and/or unsafe distractions and take responsibility for not interrupting or distracting others.

Source: State Compensation Fund