Can employees listen to music with headphones while operating power equipment

[Seabreeze]

Can employees listen to music with headphones while operating power equipment in Virginia ?

[caseysmowing]

Solo but I can't imagine not having my headphones. Legally I don't know.

[Seabreeze]

Yep im the same way ..music makes me more productive

[Sagehen]

A few of my guys listen to their iPods and whatnot... I really don't have a problem with it as long as they still pay attention to detail.

Myself, on the other hand.... if I were to listen to music, my mind would wander and I'd probably end up running over the customer's cat. Not to mention the thought of the customer seeing me as I do my best Eddie Murphy 48 Hours rendition of Roxanne.

As to the legailty - no idea. Common sense says that the operator potentially wouldn't hear well enough to avoid a problem... but then ear plugs would do the same. I've always heard that it's illegal to wear headphones while driving a car...

[mjlcare2]

It is illegal to wear headphones while driving but I'm pretty sure ipods, etc are A-okay.. its recommended to wear ear protection so whats the difference..

[Kidmows]

i've got those 3m worktunes or whatever they are called. I just plug my ipod into it and get going

[KrayzKajun]

i would be lost with my ipod. my guys listen to their ipods etc..

[jsslawncare]

We use the AO's. Ear muff radio's.

[PLS-Tx]

Our guys do.

[easy-lift guy]

I suppose employees could, however I can not think of a single reason to allow anyone to be distracted while working for my company. Accidents happen and I suspect that if I was to file a claim due to one of my employees wearing a set of headphones listening to music or anything else my claim would be denied. I believe I would and could be held responsible from a personel and business standpoint as well. Never worth the risk and loss from a completely preventable situation from occurring.
easy-lift guy