Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy. In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion which reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.
It can occur because of prolonged mental or physical activity, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal body clock.
Taking a proactive approach to reduce the risks from fatigue can help avoid injury to the individual affected and those around them.
Fatigue can be due to work-related issues (for example long shifts, inadequate breaks or a demanding role), lifestyle factors (such as poor sleep quality, family responsibilities or a busy social life), or a combination of both.
But whatever the cause, the impact is the same.
Designing work and study to reduce the likelihood of fatigue, identifying activities and tasks that can be impacted by fatigue, such as driving, and educating people to better understand fatigue, will reduce the risk. It can also improve morale, productivity and wellbeing.
Controlling the risks associated with fatigue must be done in consultation with those impacted. Controls should consider work scheduling, rosters and shift work, the demands of the job and environmental factors. Non-work-related factors also need to be addressed by individuals.
