To ask if you think this rule is ridiculous?

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New work rule- we are not allowed to walk and talk on the phone. We were never allowed to walk and text, which I understand. But now we cannot answer a phonecall whilst walking. We have to stop, stand to the side and take the call and remain there until the call is finished. I understand it’s for safety but it’s annoying tbh. So AIBU?

Can’t you just answer the phone at your desk? Do you need to be walking around all day?

This is why we have laws regarding phone use and driving.

Are you allowed to walk and talk to a person who's physically next to you also walking?

That’s similar to the argument people wheeled out when making phone calls in the car was first banned. At face level it seems over the top, but you only have to see people on their phones in shops and high streets to understand how completely unaware of what’s going on around them people are, and how inconsiderate they can be. So if there is a workplace H&S risk I can see why they might want to enforce this. And if there’s an issue with inconsiderate use of phones then I can see why they want to tackle that too :)

The world is going mad 🤪

Well I do…but I can’t guarantee I’ll be at my desk when my phone rings 🫤

Yes.

It really depends on the environment you’re working in. If you’re working around heavy machinery, moving vehicles, people moving heavy objects - any danger at all - then I’d say I agree. I would go one further and say you shouldn’t be on your phone at all outside of a safe area.

Sounds crazy to me. Surely you're a competent adult who can decide whether it's an appropriate call to take in the wild of a corridor etc.
I work in hospital setting and the number of times a doctor is on the phone while running towards a patient.... Because there is some urgent need/emergency! Sure they get the message and hang up while still running but every second counts

Introduced into construction industries over 15 years ago. Everyone thought same. But then Incidents and near misses involving Slips trips and falls fell by over 80%

Depends on the work environment.
I work in the nhs as a nurse and I've seen my fair share of stupid rules.
We even have a sock colour policy and a manager (an 8a lead nurse) who goes round checking our sock colour.
Our trust is also in the highest level of special measures due to incivility