FATIGUEIN THE WORKPLACE

WHAT IS FATIGUE?

WorkCover NSW and WorkSafe Victoria define fatigue as

‘an acute and/or ongoing state of tiredness that leads to mental or physical exhaustion and prevents people from functioning within normal boundaries’ 

EFFECTS OF FATIGUE

Reduced ability to:concentrate and avoid distractionthink laterally and analyticallymake decisionsremember and recall events and their sequencesmaintain vigilancecontrol emotionsappreciate complex situationsrecognise riskscoordinate hand-eye movements, andcommunicate effectively.

RISK FACTORS

Work RelatedRoster patternsLength of shiftsPoor work scheduling and planningTiming of shifts e.g. night shiftInsufficient recovery between shiftsLong periods of time awakeMentally of physically draining workInadequate rest breaks

Individual/LifestyleSleep loss and/or disruption of internal body clockPoor quality of sleepSleeping disordersTravel timeFamily needsSporting commitments Social lifeA second jobAlcohol and/or drug abuseStress caused my factors outside of work

WHY IS FATIGUE A PROBLEM?

Increases chance of workplace injuries Prevents a person from performing work safely Increases error rates Increases risk taking behaviour Decreases work efficiency Decreases motivation Cause micro-sleeps

LONG TERM HEALTH EFFECTS OF FATIGUE

Heart disease Diabetes High blood pressure Lower fertility Anxiety depression Gastrointestinal disorders

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR WORK COLLEAGUES

Constant yawning Falling asleep at work Short term memory problems Inability to concentrate Difficulty engaging in effective communication Impaired decision making and judgement Reduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexes

FATIGUE PREVENTION

SLEEP! Schedule rest breaks. Don’t work through lunch! Exercise. Yes, that’s right- EXERCISE! Eating healthy Drinking water Avoid binge drinking Limit working excessive hours, avoid split shifts and last

minute roster changes.

BY PREVENTING FATIGUE IN THE WORKPLACE YOU…..

Will have better health and safety outcomes Reduce workplace incidents and injuries Reduce levels in absenteeism and staff turnover. Increase level of performance and productivity.

YOU HAVE A DUTY OF CARE

To your clients To your co-workers To yourself

DON’T PUT ANY OF THEM AT RISK!