Mobile Device Use and Work Safety in a Healthcare System

Abstract

<italic>Objectives<italic>: The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the factors contributing to the use of mobile devices at work and to assess for a relationship between mobile device use/user characteristics and injuries at work. <italic>Methods<italic>: A cross sectional survey was performed within a healthcare organization employee pool of 2569 individuals. <italic>Result<italic>: A 25.7 % response rate was achieved. Descriptive data was calculated for demographic, mobile device, and work safety variables and then cross-tabulated against mobile device use. Smartphones, unlimited data plans, use while driving and walking, full time work, day shifts, income, and male sex were associated with the increased use of mobile devices for work. An association between use and mobile device related injuries was not found. Mobile device use while driving, standard phones, coworker use, unlimited data plans, older age, male sex, lower income, part time work, and night shifts were associated with increased risk of work injuries. <italic>Conclusions<italic>: While some mobile device and user characteristics appeared to be related to work injuries and use at work, no reliable statically significant associations were found. Future studies should be sensitive to privacy and reprimand concerns among participants and potential confounding. In addition, a qualitative research approach would also be useful in exploring this important area of work safety.