Let’s Talk Business 8
Fatigue Management
Ron Court, AMC Dip (Funerals) MQJA JP
OH&S Advisor 0419 679 619
Fatigue management is a shared responsibility between management and workers as it involves factors both inside and outside of work.
roncourt@aapt.net.au
What can employers do to manage fatigue? Other factors to consider when managing fatigue
What employers can do to manage fatigue Factors to consider
accident per cent shift accident per cent
risk increases by 30 by the fourth night
consider whether 12 hour night shifts are really necessary
encourage healthy eating at work
risk increases by 27.5 on 12 hour shifts,
night shift workers have a greater risk of developing obesity, diabetes and heart disease
Time of day
Recommended control measures
early start times before 6 am
Minimise early morning starts before 6 am.
avoid more than five consecutive early morning starts
Work design
Minimise safety critical tasks at circadian low points.
low alertness on night shift at 3
Recommended control measures
Diet for night shift workers
Recovering or preparing for work
Personal factors affecting sleep
Poor sleep hygiene - watching television in bed, drinking coffee or alcohol or eating a heavy meal before going to bed Poorer sleep quality, more fragmented and less deep restorative sleep in people over 45 years of age Web: www.marketingmeansbusiness.com
The key to managing fatigue successfully is ensuring that workers are given sufficient time between shifts. Adults require approximately seven to eight continuous hours of daily sleep.
avoid safety critical tasks during the
-5individuals am, early hours of the morning. What can do to manage fatigue
Factors to consider
Roster design When determining if roster design is contributing to fatigue, consider the following: Length of shifts. Distribution of leisure time. Regularity of shift system. Length of shifts worked. fatigue Previous hours and days worked. Type of work being performed. Time of the day when the work is being performed.
stick to normal day shift meal times as far as you can don't eat after 3 am avoid large meals 1 to 2 hours before sleeping
have an afternoon nap before the first night shift
drink alcohol in moderation avoid caffeine after midnight when on night shift
get into a routine for going to sleep (e.g. take a warm shower or relaxing bath before going to bed, listen to soothing music) avoid heavy meals, alcohol and tea or coffee before going to bed
Commuting Excessive hours spent travelling to and from work can extend the effective length of a shift, reduce the time available for sleep and recovery between shifts, and may have significant effects on fatigue levels. When combined with work-related fatigue, driving to and from work can be hazardous. Shift rotation Preferred rotation is day, afternoon, and night. Sleep inertia Sleep inertia can occur if a person is woken after sleeping for more than 40 minutes. Breaks When deciding on the length and frequency of breaks within a shift, consider the type of work being performed - the greater the physical and/or mental effort required.
Email: dennis@marketingmeansbusiness.net.au
Mobile: 0451 184 599