According to research fatigue makes an impact on our work performance. Fatigue considerably reduces alertness and may lead to errors that may result in workplace incidents and cause injuries.
Most accidents occur when people are more likely to want sleep- between midnight and 6 am, and between 1-3 pm.
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a state of physical and mental exhaustion, which reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively. It results in feeling very tired, exhausted, drained of energy, or sluggish and can be caused by lack of sleep and/or disruption of a person’s ‘internal clock’. Boring and repetitive tasks can intensify feelings of fatigue.
Acute fatigue– results from short-term sleep loss or from short periods of heavy physical or mental work. These effects are short duration and can be reversed by sleep and relaxation.
Chronic fatigue syndrome – constant, severe state of tiredness and extended loss of necessary sleep that is not relieved by rest. Symptoms include- fatigue, severe headaches, loss of memory or concentration, sleeping problems, muscle pain and sore throat.
Work related fatigue may be caused by-
Long working hours, night shifts, physically or mentally clanging workload, insufficient breaks between shifts, inadequate rest, excessive stress and anxiety; or a combination of these factors. Another factor is environmental conditions, such as working in extreme heat or cold temperatures.
Importance of sleep-
Studies indicate that the risk of making mistakes at work increases significantly if workers sleep for less than average (7.5-8.5 hours) or are awake for more than 17 consecutive hours.
If you operate fixed or mobile plant, drive vehicles, or undertake critical tasks, it is important you get eight hours of continues sleep. It is even more important for those who undertake night or shift work (time when the body should be normally sleeping) or the jobs that require significant amount of overtime.
Faradays Travelling arrangements-
Travelling to or from site must not exceed 90 miles or 1.5 hours travelling each way in any one day. Where distances are to be exceeded in any one day a 20 min break must be adhered to or change of driver. Where travelling exceeds 2 hours or 120 miles each way 2 drivers must be used, and a break of 20 minutes must be taken. Driving each journey, where there is only one driver the engineers/ employees will be entitled to an overnight stay so as to not exceed a 12 hour day with breaks.
Faradays Working hours and breaks-
Permitted working hours are 8 hours per day excluding travelling. A 30 minute rest break must be taken within the 8 hour day, but not exceeding 4 hours working in any one continued work period.
Tips to fight fatigue-
- EAT healthy diet that promotes long lasting energy. Start every working day with a nutritious and energising breakfast. Avoid fatty foods and junk food.
- STAY HYDRATED– dehydration causes fatigue.
- DON’T RELY ON CAFFEINE AND ENERGY DRINKS. This is a short term fix usually followed by a crash feeling fatigue.
- TAKE BREAKS during and between shifts. You will be more productive if you take a moment to stretch and breath.
- ADOPT a steady exercise routine.
- TRY and get at least 7.5-8 hours sleep per night.
- STAY POSITIVE. Make an effort not to be overwhelmed by negative circumstances.
- AVOID driving if you are tired (especially where vision is impaired due to weather conditions).
- AVOID excessive noise.
- SEEK TREATMENT for anxiety, depression, pain and sleep disorders, as they can cause fatigue or even make it worse
Useful links-
https://safetyalliancebc.ca/the-dangers-of-fatigue-in-the-workplace/
https://mosaicmanagementsystems.co.uk/top-tips-managing-fatigue-within-construction-sector/
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