Toolbox Talk 2015

Fatigue Management

Fatigue Management Fatigue at the worksite

Which tasks that you perform can be negatively affected by drowsiness or low alertness? Ask workers about their current/regular worksites. What type of incidents could occur? Ask workers what the consequence can be from incidents caused by being drowsy. How often have you felt drowsy on the job? Get a feeling from the group how big a concern this is at that site and if intervention is required.

Fatigue and you How do you know when you’re not alert? Your co-worker? Make the workers think past the obvious – ask for examples. When are you most susceptible to drowsiness? 3-6am, 1-3pm, normal bed time, going in and out of the cold, boring tasks, poor nutrition, etc. What is sleep debt? The sleep you have lost due to late nights, poor sleep, etc. This causes you to be drowsy even when you feel shouldn’t be and can limit your stamina. You need a couple of good nights rest to recover.

Quality rest What is quality rest? Quality rest allows you to cycle completely through the various and multiple levels of sleep without significant interruption – usually 7-9 hours. What are some of the things we can to ensure quality rest? Rest is mainly affected by light, noise, temperature and comfort. What are some things that reduce the effectiveness of sleep? A poor sleep environment, stress, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, late exercise, etc. Discuss strategies to avoid these issues.

Fatigue and driving How many here have nodded off while driving? It’s quite rare that a person hasn’t. Just a tip of the head constitutes nodding-off, and that takes anywhere from 2-20 seconds of Microsleep to happen. What are your signs of drowsiness? Make the workers think past the obvious – we’re not all the same.

What is a Microsleep? A temporary episode of sleep which may last for a fraction of a second or up to thirty seconds where an individual fails to respond to some arbitrary sensory input. Wikipedia. What can I do if I feel drowsy? STOP, industry management supports your decision.

Alertness management What can you do to remain alert on this job? Ask the group. Get proper rest prior to reporting to work, vary tasks, take breaks, dress properly for the job, eat properly, switch out periodically on boring tasks, drink coffee vs energy drinks, keep hydrated, take a short nap during break(s) etc. What can you do to remain alert while driving? Ask the group. Get proper rest prior to reporting to work, take breaks, manage the heater, maintain fresh air, rotate drivers, stop for a nap, drink coffee vs energy drinks, keep hydrated, etc. What can you do as a passenger, co-worker or supervisor/person in charge to manage alertness? Ask the group. Pay attention and intervene when you see the signs, manage the job to include breaks, ensure adequate drinking water is on-hand, don't ignore the issue, etc.

Conclusion Prepare for work by getting quality rest Recognize your signs of drowsiness and those of your coworkers Manage your times of low alertness STOP before you or you coworkers reach your limits

Your family and friends are waiting for you.

Follow-up notes