Toronto — Fatigue reduces a worker’s mental focus and “creates serious safety risks,” the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association says in a recently released hazard alert.
ISHA defines fatigue as “a state of feeling exhausted or worn out, either in your body, your mind or both.” It adds that “most workers will experience fatigue at some point, which means that every workplace faces some level of risk.”
ISHA calls on employers and workers to follow the “RACE” method to address fatigue:
- Recognize the hazards
- Assess the risks
- Control the risks
- Evaluate and review the controls
Knowing early warning signs of fatigue is a key first step. They include decreased alertness and strength, yawning, slurred speech, difficulty making decisions, and mood changes.
The association adds that “assessing fatigue risks can be challenging” because of the differing impact that factors such as physical labor, poor ventilation and poor work-life balance have on workers. However, most workers will experience fatigue from long shifts, extended periods without time off, skipping breaks, frequent night or on-call shifts, and excessive commute times.
Employers can eliminate or minimize fatigue risk by:
- Limiting shift work – especially overnight shifts – to essential tasks.
- Scheduling low-risk tasks during high-fatigue periods.
- Implementing fatigue-management policies such as guidelines on work hours, breaks and fatigue reporting.
- Rotating workers through tasks to prevent mental fatigue.
- Encouraging workers to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
IHSA also recommends regular review of control measures. Consider whether any changes to the work environment or processes impacted controls and request worker feedback.
Workers can help manage their own fatigue, as well. Among the best practices:
- Get enough rest and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Take enough time between shifts to rest, recover and commute to work.
- Stay hydrated during the workday and eat balanced meals.
