Tackling workplace fatigue in high risk industries

Workplace fatigue is a major concern in high-risk industries which require not only physical endurance but also mental sharpness to ensure safety and productivity. Fatigue can significantly impair a worker's ability to perform tasks safely, leading to costly mistakes, incidents and injuries. Therefore, managing workplace fatigue is crucial for both employee wellbeing and operational success. This article explores the dangers of workplace fatigue and practical strategies to reduce the risks in high-risk industries. 

The dangers of fatigue 

Fatigue in the workplace doesn't just affect productivity, it can be a direct threat to safety, particularly in high risk industries where workers often operate heavy machinery, perform complex tasks or are responsible for others' lives. Fatigue is a hazard and may be identified as a risk. 

Fatigue can be physically evident in people through a few ways outlined below. 

Decreased cognitive function 

Fatigue slows reaction times and reduces attention to detail, which are essential for hazard identification and risk mitigation. Studies show that after 17 hours without sleep, cognitive impairment can be similar to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. 

Physical exhaustion 

Physically demanding tasks become riskier when workers are fatigued. Muscle fatigue affects coordination and strength, increasing the likelihood of workplace incidents such as slips, trips and falls. 

Emotional instability 

Fatigue can contribute to irritability, mood swings and stress, which may reduce the effectiveness of communication and create tension among team members. In high risk industries, clear and effective communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to dangerous situations. 

Chronic health conditions 

Over time, persistent fatigue can contribute to long-term health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health issues. This can impact the overall safety culture of the workplace, along with long term productivity. 

Effective fatigue management strategies 

Not only is the effective scheduling of shifts ideal for reducing fatigue, but it is also a legal requirement. A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a duty under the model WHS laws to do all they can reasonably do to manage the risk of fatigue in the workplace. Consider the following methods for optimising work schedules to reduce fatigue and allow workers enough time for rest between shifts.  

Scheduling 

Different contractors have varying standards for compliance. Subcontractors must take the time to understand each principal contractor’s unique requirements, which may differ from project to project. 

• Shift rotation: regular shift rotation can help prevent workers from becoming too accustomed to one type of shift, such as long night shifts, which can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to fatigue. Rotating shifts from day to evening and evening to night should be done gradually to allow workers to adjust 

• Rest periods: Short breaks throughout the workday can be just as important as extended breaks between shifts. Providing workers with the opportunity to take rest breaks after several hours of work and adequate time to recover between shifts can prevent the accumulation of fatigue and improve concentration levels. The length of time required for breaks on shift and between shifts is outlined in the awards relevant to each industry. For more information, visit Fair Work Australia.

• Limit overtime: In high risk industries, overtime is often necessary but excessive overtime can exacerbate fatigue. Employers should monitor and limit the amount of overtime employees work to ensure they do not become overly fatigued 

Workload distribution 

Workload management is crucial in reducing fatigue among workers. Properly distributing tasks ensures no employee is overburdened and tasks are completed efficiently and safely. 

• Team collaboration: dividing tasks among team members can reduce the physical and mental strain on individual workers. Team-based approaches encourage collaboration, allow workers to share responsibilities and reduce the risk of burnout 

• Task rotation: assigning workers to different tasks throughout the day can help minimise the physical and mental exhaustion resulting from repetitive tasks. For example, rotating between operating machinery and performing maintenance tasks allows workers to engage different muscle groups and parts of the brain, reducing the likelihood of fatigue onset 

• Load monitoring: monitoring the workload of staff in real-time can help identify areas where workers may be overburdened or underutilised. Simple check-ins with staff on a daily basis can help to ensure workloads are balanced appropriately 

Health and wellness programs  

Investing in employee health and wellness is one of the most effective ways to combat workplace fatigue. When workers feel physically and mentally healthy, they are less likely to suffer from fatigue, which in turn improves safety and productivity. 

• Fitness programs: encouraging physical fitness through company-sponsored activities such as gym memberships, fitness challenges or onsite workout facilities can improve workers' stamina and energy levels, making them less susceptible to fatigue 

• Mental health support: fatigue isn't just physical; mental fatigue can be equally damaging. Providing mental health resources, such as access to employee assistance programs (EAP), stress management workshops or mindfulness training, can help workers manage stress and maintain mental clarity, even in demanding, high risk work environments 

• Sleep education: educating workers about the importance of sleep and how to improve sleep quality is essential. Offering resources like sleep hygiene programs, tips for managing stress and advice on maintaining consistent sleep patterns can have a profound impact on reducing fatigue 

Implement a digital management system 

Utilising technological solutions is a great way to streamline the management of fatigue in high risk workplaces. By having a digital system that checks in on worker fatigue, access to high risk sites and the scheduling of breaks can be managed by asking staff to answer questions about their fatigue levels. These systems can also allow workers to report fatigue as a risk when themselves or a colleague may be creating a fatigue-related hazard. 

Fatigue: not just an employer’s responsibility 

It’s also important to remember workers also have a responsibility to manage their own fatigue. Companies should encourage workers to learn the signs of fatigue and implement effective strategies for managing it. Safe Work Australia's fatigue management guide can help with this process.

Digitise your safety management with Lucidity 

Simplify safety management processes with Lucidity. Contact us today on 1800 595 241 or contact.lucidity@ideagen.com 

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.