Managing Workplace Fatigue

Fatigue is often an overlooked but significant risk factor in high-risk industries such as construction, mining, and transport. Prolonged working hours, physically demanding tasks, and mentally draining environments can all lead to fatigue, which in turn impairs decision-making, reduces reaction times, and increases the likelihood of accidents. Managing workplace fatigue is a crucial aspect of risk management and essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in high-risk environments.

What is Workplace fatigue?

Workplace fatigue refers to the state of physical or mental exhaustion that reduces a worker’s ability to perform tasks safely and effectively. It can manifest as physical tiredness, reduced alertness, slower reaction times, and concentration are critical, fatigue can have dangerous consequences.

Fatigue is often caused by factors such as:

• Poor work-life balance

• Long working hours or extended shifts

• Insufficient rest breaks

• Physically demanding tasks

Management Strategies

Implement Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS)

FRMS are designed to help organisations monitor and control the risks associated with worker fatigue. An FRMS involves identifying the factors that contribute to fatigue in the workplace, assessing the risk, and implementing control measures to mitigate those risks.

Managing Travel

Fatigue management is critical when driving, as tiredness significantly impairs a driver’s concentration, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. To mitigate these risks, drivers should take regular breaks, ideally every two hours, and avoid driving for extended periods without rest. It’s important to recognise early signs of fatigue, such as yawning, drifting across lanes, or difficulty focusing, and take immediate action by pulling over for rest.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper sleep and hydration, can also help reduce fatigue. Employers should implement fatigue management policies to ensure drivers’ safety, particularly in industries where long hours on the road or airline travel are common.