FATIQUE MANAGEMENT

What is fatigue?

  • Fatigue can impair or diminish a worker’s ability to safely participate in work, increasing risk of injury. Fatigue management starts with the acknowledgement of  fatigue as a hazard.

  • Fatigue is the physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capacity.

  • Fatigue can impair or diminish a worker’s ability to safely participate in work, increasing risk of injury.

  • Fatigue Management refers to the method a company address the safety implications of fatigue.

  • Fatigue management starts with employers acknowledging fatigue as a hazard. 

 

There are various contributing factors to fatigue in a company, including: technology and tools, organization, person, task and the environment. Identification of the level of risks will be followed by appropriate interventions and a monitoring / control process.

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COMMON WORK-RELATED

CAUSES OF 

FATIGUE

  • High physical workload;

  • Work time arrangements;

  • Temperature extremes;

  • Excessive noise;

  • Work stress; and

  • Poor ergonomic design.

NON WORK-RELATED CAUSES

CAN BE AS A RESULT OF A

MEDICAL CONDITION

  • Inadequate sleep (sleep debt);

  • Extended period of wakefulness;

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome;

  • Medical conditions: TB; HIV, Heart problems,
    chronic pain, etc.

  • Living conditions (over-crowded,
    noisy and busy living quarters);

  • Alcohol and substance abuse;

  • Lack of exercise; and

  • Medication

STO’s Intervention Clinical Outcomes Pathway:

  • Formative Assessments to identify workers and occupations at risk.

  • Complete risk assessment on the workers with the highest risk.

  • Identify, confirm and document risks.

  • Commence with fatigue questionnaire and assessments to plan implementation of
    the corrective measures and treatment.

  • Refer at risk-workers to relevant services, such as: TB fitness program, life-style
    program, ergonomic intervention program, work rehabilitation programs, psychosocial service where needed.