FIGHTING FATIGUE TO SAVE LIVES
You wouldn’t show up to work drunk, nor would you want other employees stopping at the bar on their way in. But did you know that being awake for 17 hours is the equivalent of having a blood alcohol level of 0.05. Being awake for 20 hours is the equivalent of having a blood alcohol level of 0.1.3
Yes, fatigue can significantly compromise judgement and reaction times. That’s right, long shifts, late nights or poor sleep habits can leave you and your workers in no fit state to work anywhere. And when machinery or equipment is involved, that puts everyone at risk.
Fatigue management should be a priority in any industry that works 24/7 or that works long hours. More dramatic accidents tend to get more attention, but fatigue is a factor in many vehicle crashes or industrial accidents.
What causes fatigue?
While fatigue is generally caused by lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep, there are several work-related and non-work related factors that can contribute to its development.
What can employers do to manage employee fatigue?
There are a number of actions that employers can take to help manage the factors that influence fatigue, especially in work-related circumstances.
What can employees do to manage their fatigue?
There are a number of actions that employees can take to help manage their fatigue, whether it is work-related or non-work related. The following information may be useful to pass on to employees.
References:
1. The University of Western Australia, Safety and Health, Fatigue management, www.safety.uwa.edu.au/health-wellbeing/health/fatigue
2. Better Health Channel, Victorian Government, Fatigue explained.
3. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland 2008, Managing fatigue: a guide for the workplace.
Take these steps today to help protect your employees from preventable injuries. Your employees and your business will benefit.
SHEBS has a nationwide network of expert EHS professionals who can provide the services and training you need to properly protect your employees and prevent injuries.
Have a Safe Day!
