Preventing Distracted Walking

Key Hazards

• Trips caused by looking at phones or paperwork
• Walking into equipment, vehicles, doors, or obstacles
• Falls on stairs, ramps, curbs, or uneven surfaces
• Reduced awareness in parking lots and work zones
• Slips from wet, icy, or contaminated walking surfaces
• Failure to notice forklifts, vehicles, or moving equipment

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Distracted walking can cause injuries in offices, shops, warehouses, parking lots, construction areas, and field sites. Looking at a phone, reading paperwork, carrying too much, or focusing on a conversation can cause a worker to miss hazards directly in their path.

Walking surfaces change constantly. Curbs, cords, hoses, tools, floor mats, gravel, ice, wet floors, uneven pavement, stairs, and door thresholds can all create hazards when workers are not paying attention.

Phones are one of the most common distractions. Reading messages, typing, checking maps, or looking at notifications while walking increases the chance of trips, falls, collisions, and entering unsafe areas.

Distracted walking is especially dangerous around vehicles and equipment. Forklifts, trucks, loaders, carts, and backing vehicles may not stop quickly, and operators may not expect a pedestrian to step into their path.

Stairs and ramps require full attention. Workers should use handrails where available, avoid rushing, and avoid using phones or carrying loads that block visibility.

Carrying materials can also create distraction. Large boxes, tools, files, parts, or equipment can block the view of walking surfaces and increase the chance of stepping into a hazard.

Workers should stop in a safe location before reading, typing, checking paperwork, or making a call. Taking a few seconds to stop is safer than trying to multitask while moving.

Preventing distracted walking is simple but important. Keep eyes on the path, maintain awareness of the surroundings, and avoid combining walking with tasks that take attention away from hazards.

Safety Reminders

• Stop walking before using a phone or reading paperwork.
• Watch walking surfaces for changes and obstacles.
• Use handrails on stairs when available.
• Avoid carrying loads that block your view.
• Stay alert around vehicles and equipment.
• Do not rush through parking lots, shops, or work zones.
• Keep eyes on the path of travel.

Ask the Crew

• What distractions are most common in this work area?
• Are workers using phones while walking?
• Are there stairs, curbs, cords, hoses, or uneven surfaces nearby?
• Could vehicles or equipment cross the walking path?
• Are people carrying items that block their view?