10 replies to this topic

[Stacys]

We are having an issue with employees bringing there cell phones out on the production floor even after the training and talking at the morning meeting?  how is anyone else handling the cell phone situations or does anyone else have the same problem?  

[kfromNE]

Everyone has the problem. You are not alone. Keep reinforcing the policy - make sure there are consequences for breaking the rule.

 

Caveat - we have a rule that says cell phones are allowed if you have permission. For example, I keep it with me in order to take pictures of deviations I see. My QC supervisor has it for the same reason.

[SQFconsultant]

Formal warning issued with phone being taken away for their shift time.

[zanorias]

If clear procedure & training has been done, any deviation should be escalated to their line manager or HR. If there's no consequence, people will continue to do it.

 

I'd recommend setting out a list of anyone permitted to carry phones for work-based or any exceptional purposes, to avoid the mess of "but he/she has one".

[The Food Scientist]

Write ups :D

[TimG]

Yes, I'd probably guess that everyone has this issue. We're low risk here, but I do have 2 higher risk areas (bagging rooms) where I've told employees in the GMP training will result in an instant write up if I seen phones out in those areas. 

Our problem here is that the front office gives out write-ups like Oprah gives out gifts, so no one takes them seriously. "And YOU get a write up, and YOU get a write up! You all get write ups! YAAAAY!" 

[kfromNE]

Yes, I'd probably guess that everyone has this issue. We're low risk here, but I do have 2 higher risk areas (bagging rooms) where I've told employees in the GMP training will result in an instant write up if I seen phones out in those areas. 

Our problem here is that the front office gives out write-ups like Oprah gives out gifts, so no one takes them seriously. "And YOU get a write up, and YOU get a write up! You all get write ups! YAAAAY!" 

Seems like the front office staff is power happy.

[kfromNE]

If you are their supervisor - remind them that too many of these incidences could hinder their annual raise.

[TimG]

I work in the middle of the petrochemical industry, and quite a few of these plants have a 'no tolerance' for cell phones. I've been told stories by employees who were baited by management while in a plant with "Hey X, do you happen to know what time it is?" while they pretend like they need a quick answer/stressed. The baited employee then pulls their phone out and says "oh sure boss, it's X" which then proves they brought a phone into restricted areas, and are promptly escorted off the premises. 

These are old stories, and now I think they just wand them prior to allowing them enter the high risk area. Their risk is tied up into a PSM program though, so it's probably a bit of overkill.

[Slab]

Formal warning issued with phone being taken away for their shift time.

 

Careful with confiscation, as this can cause animosity with employees and more retroactivity in food safety goals.  Make sure your policy is very clear as well for either high risk manufacturing or an occupational hazard. It would be preferable and more effective in my opinion that an employee is dismissed and trespassed than confiscating property.

[Cthulhu]

Formal warning issued with phone being taken away for their shift time.

That's a big no from me. I would never want my property confiscated, nor would I do that to someone else. Everyone working is an adult and it isn't grade school. You give a verbal warning, then a written warning. If that doesn't changed the employee's attitude, they get fired.