Fatigue Awareness: A Critical Safety Issue

Fatigue is a state of mental or physical exhaustion. It reduces a worker’s ability to perform tasks safely and effectively. It’s often caused by long hours, high workloads, or lack of sleep. Fatigue may stem from work, personal life, or both. No matter the cause, a fatigued worker is more likely to make mistakes. This puts themselves and others at risk.

Signs of Fatigue to Watch For

Fatigue can show in many ways. Here are some common signs:

• Decreased alertness or awareness
• Excessive yawning or falling asleep at work
• Poor coordination
• Impaired judgment or decision-making
• Short-term memory problems
• Behaviour changes (e.g. arriving late)

Employer Responsibilities: Managing Fatigue Risks

Employers and Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) have a duty to protect workers from harm.

Fatigue is considered a psychosocial hazard. The first step is identifying if there’s a risk in your workplace.

Once risks are identified, they must be assessed and addressed.

How to Identify and Assess Fatigue in the Workplace

There are several proactive ways to identify fatigue risks:

• Talk to workers about how they’re feeling
• Use surveys and fatigue tools
• Observe behaviour and task performance
• Review data like rosters, hours, and incident reports
• Create clear reporting pathways for workers
• Encourage open conversations about fatigue
• Look at all hazards together and consider how they interact
• Determine how frequently and for how long workers are exposed to fatigue risks.

Promote a Safe and Supportive Work Culture

Managing fatigue is part of creating a safe, productive workplace. A strong reporting culture helps detect issues early. Importantly, workers must feel supported to speak up, and leaders must take concerns seriously and act when needed.

Learn More

For further details on fatigue awareness, check out the WorkSafe Fatigue Guide.