Implications of using smartphones in the workplace

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the implications of Smartphone use in the workplace of an ink manufacturing company. Methods: A positivist, quantitative, field study at a descriptive level with a cross-sectional design. The census sample consisted of 63 employees. Document review and a questionnaire developed by the authors were used. Results: The predominantly blue-collar sample (100%), was comprised of 96.8% men, with an average age of 42 years and less than 10 years of work experience. 98.5% used their cell phones for calls, 95.4% for messaging, 72.9% for social media, and 23.4% for video calls, with a frequency of 1-2 times per day (69%) and an average usage time of 24.56 minutes, during the workday. A high perception of risk was evident: 95.2% recognized that the devices are a distraction that can cause accidents. Regarding specific risks: 63.5% reported eye strain affecting their accuracy; 60.3% associated it with awkward postures causing neck and shoulder pain; 57.1% perceived a greater risk when handling hazardous materials; and 55.6% admitted to carelessness with machinery due to distraction. 66.6% felt that there are policies and signs prohibiting their use in the workplace. Conclusion: The use of smartphones use constitutes a multifactorial occupational risk factor, acting as a distraction that affects the safety and health of workers, thus requiring ergonomic, technological, and regulatory interventions.