About this Fatigue Management Toolbox Talk
This fatigue management toolbox talk can be used to communicate clear guidelines and management principles to minimize fatigue-related risks in the workplace. Assessing the risks of fatigue can be difficult because people respond differently to situations that may contribute to fatigue. However, generally, fatigue is due to normal body rhythms that regulate sleep being disrupted, or because there is inadequate time for rest and recovery.
If it has been determined that a worker is fatigued, the person should not be permitted to commence or continue with ‘at risk’ work and arrangements should be made for recovery. The guidelines described in this safety toolbox talk can be used as a measure to consider whether reasonably practicable steps have been taken to ensure the safety of personnel is balanced against the need for a work task to be completed. A work environment in which personnel will not feel threatened or subjected to criticism by disclosing their fatigue will facilitate the objectives of the safety toolbox talk.
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a weariness that is primarily caused by prolonged wakefulness or insufficient and/or disturbed sleep. Fatigue can be both physical and mental and both relate to the inability to continue functioning at the level of normal abilities. It’s not the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you’re fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. You may feel like you can’t get going and don’t have the strength to continue.” Most people feel fatigued from time to time but, if fatigue is a frequent or ongoing problem, it can affect your quality of life. Fatigue can be a symptom of many different conditions, including anemia, arthritis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, fibromyalgia, heart disease, hepatitis C, infectious diseases, and sleep disorders.
How to Identify Fatigue
If working long hours, working nights, unscheduled shifts, a sleep deficit can build up over a period affecting the ability to work safely. Therefore, people working long hours or irregular shifts are generally more tired than people working during the day and regular shifts. Causes and signs of fatigue may include:
- Inadequate amount or lack of quality sleep.
- Extended mental or physical effort.
- Drug and blood alcohol levels due to excessive alcohol use.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Environmental stresses, e.g. light, heat, noise.
- Medications such as those causing drowsiness.
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and general sleep loss.
- Poor dietary or hydration habits.
- Shift work, especially the night shift.
- Family, social, study and sporting commitments.
- Personal problems, e.g. financial worries.
- Not feeling refreshed after sleep.
- A greater tendency to fall asleep while at work.
- More frequent naps during leisure hours.
- Feelings of fatigue or sleepiness.
- Extended sleep during days off.
- Increased errors and loss of concentration.
What Can You Do to Prevent or Improve Fatigue Issues?
With fatigue, YOU are the most important safeguard in protecting yourself and others while at work.
Get Plenty of Rest.
It is recommended to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night. If your work schedule is too demanding, or the hours you are working are making you feel fatigued every single day, talk with a supervisor. Sometimes responsibilities or schedules can be altered to improve productivity and safety in the workplace.
Take Care of Your Health.
Addressing other health issues can greatly improve how you feel both at home and at work.
Eat a Healthy Diet.
Food to people is like fuel to a car– if you put dirty fuel in your car, it will not run well. The same goes for your body!
Regularly Exercise.
Reduce fatigue by engaging in regular, low-intensity exercise.
Understand Your Medication.
Talk with your doctor to make sure he/she understands your work responsibilities to ensure any medication will not interfere with your performance.
Manage your Stress.
If there are stressful things in your life, seek assistance from family and friends and talk to a support group.
Regularly Stretch.
If performing less intense work tasks for short periods, frequently get up and stretch.
Availability and Use of this Fatigue Management Toolbox Talk
- This fatigue management toolbox talk is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Checkout for Free Now’ button.
- This document will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.