The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association released a hazard alert on worker fatigue, warning that it “reduces a worker’s mental focus and creates serious safety risks,” according to Safety+Health magazine.
Fatigue impacts both mental and physical capabilities and affects virtually all workplaces. IHSA recommends the “RACE” method for managing it: recognize hazards, assess risks, control risks, and evaluate and review controls.
Common fatigue indicators include reduced alertness, yawning, slurred speech, impaired decision-making and mood changes. Contributing factors typically include extended shifts, limited time off, skipped breaks, night work and lengthy commutes.
Recommended fatigue management strategies include:
- Restricting shift work, particularly overnight shifts, to necessary tasks
- Scheduling low-risk work during high-fatigue periods
- Establishing fatigue policies covering work hours and breaks
- Rotating workers between tasks
- Promoting regular exercise, hydration, adequate sleep and balanced nutrition
IHSA emphasizes continuous review of control measures and encourages soliciting worker input on workplace changes that affect fatigue management.