Better Safety
Better Everyday
MOBILE PHONE USE
AT WORKPLACE
REGULATION POLICY
MARCH, 2023
JSW GROUP SAFETY POLICY
Department SAFETY
MOBILE PROHIBITION & REGULATION POLICY Revision No. 0
Rev. Release Date March 2023
Purpose
The utilization of mobile phones at workplaces has become an essential aspect of modern-day life. However, it can also
pose several safety and security risks to personnel. Careless use of mobile phones can lead to hazardous situations. Such
behavior can also distract users, which may negatively impact their safety and the safety of equipment and machinery
on the shop floor. The objective of this guideline is to encourage the appropriate and disciplined use of mobile phones in
the workplace..
Scope
This guideline is applicable to the following JSW Steel Plants (VJNR, Dolvi, Salem, JISPL, BPSL Sambhalpur and BMM ISPAT).
JSW employees in the grade of L-13 & above are exempted under Mobile Prohibition & Regulation Policy.
Applicability
This guideline applies to everyone on JSW premises, including employees, contractors, workmen, associates, consultants,
vendors, suppliers, visitors, and even customers’ drivers.
Responsibility
While the plant head holds the ultimate responsibility for implementing this policy effectively, the line manager is
accountable for ensuring that this guideline is communicated and followed on the shop floor in their area.
Definition
Mobile Phone
A mobile phone or cell phone refers to any device that can make or receive phone calls, send text messages, browse the
internet, use social media platforms like Facebook, and download and access emails, regardless of whether the device is
personally owned or provided by the company. Additionally, earphones, headphones, hands-free devices, and Bluetooth-
enabled hearing aids are all considered part of a mobile phone. This definition also encompasses music and gaming
devices, such as iPods, and portable music players with earphones. However, it’s worth noting that walkie-talkies are not
considered phones according to this guideline.
Basic Mobile Phone
A basic mobile phone is a type of mobile phone that has minimal features and functions. It is designed for making calls
and sending text messages.
Smart Phone
A smartphone is a mobile phone that combines the functions of a computer, such as internet browsing, email, social
media, and other applications, with traditional phone features such as calling and messaging. Smartphones typically
have a large touchscreen display, high-speed data connectivity, advanced camera systems, and the ability to download
and run various apps.
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Department SAFETY
MOBILE PROHIBITION & REGULATION POLICY Revision No. 0
Rev. Release Date March 2023
MOBILE PHONE USAGE MATRIX
Contractor Workers
Type of phone allowed
S. No. Designation Phone Repository
at Shop Floor
The respective supervisor must collect mobile phones
and store them in a secure location, such as porta
1 Workmen Mobile Phone not Allowed
cabins or any other safe area (Basic phone only
permitted inside the plant for the workmen)
2 Supervisor Basic Mobile Phone Allowed Supervisors and managers / owners are permitted
3 Manager/Owner Basic Mobile Phone Allowed to have smartphones inside the office but not on
the shop floor. They may only use their phones
at designated phone booths / area or authorized
Safety & Fire services locations. Plants are required to put a barcode on
4 Professionals and Smart Phones allowed mobile devices for authentication of entry into the
Security Professionals plant. Until phone booths / areas are installed, nearby
offices, control rooms, or rest areas may be used for
phone use.
Associates
Type of phone allowed
S. No. Designation Phone Repository
at Shop Floor
The respective supervisor must collect mobile phones
Mobile phone not and store them in a secure location, such as porta
1 Workmen
Allowed cabins or any other safe area. (Basic phone only
permitted inside the plant for the workmen)
Basic Mobile Phone Supervisors and managers are permitted to have
2 Supervisor smartphones inside the office but not on the shop
allowed
floor. They may only use their phones at designated
Safety & Fire services phone booths / areas or authorized locations. Plants
3 professionals and Smart Phones allowed are required to put a barcode on mobile devices for
Security Professionals authentication of entry into the plant.
JSW Employees
Type of phone allowed
S. No. Designation Phone Repository
at Shop Floor
The respective supervisor must collect mobile phones
Mobile phone not
1 L1-L3 and store them in a secure location, such as porta
Allowed
cabins or any other safe area.
Basic Mobile phone
2 L3 T, L4 – L12
only allowed
Staff may only use their phones at designated phone
Shift In-charge
3 Smart Phone allowed booths or authorized locations. Plants are required to
(irrespective of grades)
put a barcode on mobile devices for authentication of
Safety & Fire services entry into the plant.
4 professionals and Smart Phone allowed
Security Professionals
Visitors
Visitors are allowed to bring mobile phones inside the plant; however, the security department will seal mobile
cameras with appropriate mechanisms like 3M sticker to restrict usage within the premises. Phone usage is not
permitted at shop floor and is only permitted in dedicated phone booths or identified locations / secured areas. Plants
are required to put a barcode on mobile devices for authentication of entry into the plant.
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Department SAFETY
MOBILE PROHIBITION & REGULATION POLICY Revision No. 0
Rev. Release Date March 2023
* Notes:
Following must be established at respective plants for effective implementation of this policy: -
1 Increase number of Almirahs / Lockers facility
2 Land line to be provided at prominent locations
3 Talking booths to be developed at prominent safe locations as dedicated talking area
4 Plants shall put BARCODE on mobile for authentication of entry inside the plant.
5 BARCODE should have details of the person, department, agency, designation and contact number.
6 To facilitate we can plan booths at different locations as need be. (Plant wise)
G. Usage Guidelines
To ensure compliance with Mobile Prohibition and Regulations, authorized users are required to adhere to the following
guidelines:
1. General
Employees are expected to focus on their work and refrain from using devices for inappropriate purposes, such as
personal conversations, gaming, and music.
2. Shop Floor
Mobile phone usage is prohibited on the shop floor, except at designated rest areas or offices in the plant or
designated talking points, based on a risk assessment.
3. Explosive/Fuel Storage
Mobile phones must not be used near places where explosives are stored or used. Individuals entering the explosive
storage area must not carry mobile phones. Mobile phones must be switched off during the handling, charging,
and blasting of explosives. Mobile phones should not be used near fuel stations, fuel storage areas, or any other
flammable material handling/storage/processing areas.
4. Confined Spaces
Mobile phone usage is not permitted in confined space jobs where there is a possibility of an explosive mixture
formation (e.g., gas cellar, gas holders, propane storage tanks, vessels, etc.). Restricted use for communication
may be allowed with permission from the HOD, after a risk assessment has been conducted and vetted by the
department safety professional.
5. Working at Height
Mobile phones are not allowed for use by working crew while working at height. However, the site safety supervisor
may allow restricted use for short communication purposes only after assessing the risks and advising all
precautions to the site in charge, with prior communication to the department safety professional.
6. Electrical/Gas Line maintenance
Mobile phone usage is not permitted by workmen during electrical/gas line maintenance. However, the site safety
supervisor may allow restricted use for short communication purposes only after assessing the risks and advising
all precautions to the site in charge, with prior communication to the department safety professional.
7. Office
Usage of mobile phones is restricted on staircases. Talking on mobile phones near doors, where there is a high
chance of someone opening and hitting, and blind spots inside the office where people may not see the person on
the other side should be avoided.
8. Driving
Mobile phone usage while driving on the road is strictly prohibited. Hands-free systems are also not advised. If
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Department SAFETY
MOBILE PROHIBITION & REGULATION POLICY Revision No. 0
Rev. Release Date March 2023
necessary, the vehicle must be safely stopped and parked before using the mobile phone.
9. While walking
Mobile phone usage is not permitted while walking and crossing roads/tracks/truck bays/gantry, etc. If necessary,
step aside, stand up, and then use the mobile phone from a secured place.
10. In parking area
Mobile phone usage is not permitted in parking areas, and earphones/music devices are not allowed while walking in
the parking area. If necessary, walk outside the parking area and use the mobile phone away from vehicle movement
zones.
11. EOT crane
The crane operator is not allowed to carry a mobile phone while operating from the operator’s cabin. However,
carrying a mobile phone for emergency purposes may be allowed if the operator is under CCTV surveillance or gives
an undertaking to use it only for communication purposes in emergency situations.
12. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment’s
Drivers of such vehicles should keep their mobile phones on switch off/flight or silent mode while driving. Drivers are
only allowed to use mobile phones when the vehicle is secured and in a standing condition.
13. Smart cameras can be installed on the shop floor to capture mobile phone usage deviations.
14. Staff should be advised to capture deviations with respect to mobile phone usage during SO walks.
15. Drivers need to provide an undertaking not to use their mobile phones on the shop floor.
H. Training and communication
All worker forces must be trained and communicated about the guideline of mobile phone usage before being engaged at
workplace. Line managers are responsible and accountable for effective implementation of this guidelines.
Note: Unauthorized photography using mobile phone is not permitted at any point of time. Sharing of plant/equipment/
premises images outside work is not allowed and will warrant disciplinary measures
Disciplinary Action for Violating the Policy
The policy will be effective from 31st March 2023 & will remain inforce till further notification. Any Violation of the policy and
misuse of mobile phone at shop floor of the company will be suspended for 3 days. Second violation will be suspended
for a week and further violation will result into separation.
This policy shall be reviewed in 6 months from the date of release ie., by 30th September 2023.
GS RATHORE
COO – JSW Steel
Date: 28th March 2023
Note: Any exemption from the Mobile usage prohibitions can only be approved by the Plant Head or COO
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