Occupational Fatigue

Context Occupational fatigue is a workplace hazard that can lead to harm when it is not identified, assessed and managed appropriately. The goals of this presentation are to increase your awareness of: Risks of occupational fatigue Signs of fatigue How to control fatigue

What is Fatigue? Fatigue is the state of feeling very tired, weary or sleepy resulting from prolonged mental or physical work, extended periods of stress or anxiety or insufficient sleep. Occupational fatigue is increased by: Extended work hours Dim lighting High temperatures and noise Tasks which must be sustained for long periods of time Work tasks which are long, repetitive, difficult, boring or monotonous Fatigue can build up over several work days especially if a person is not getting enough sleep between long days. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/fatigue.html U.S. Department of Health and Human Servives-Center for Disease Control and Preventio-National Insitute for Occupational Safety and Health-Plain Language About Shiftwork

Extended Work Hours can Increase Risk of Fatigue Extended work shifts may be more stressful physically, mentally, and emotionally leading to increased fatigue and stress on employees People working in a fatigued state may place themselves and others at risk, most particularly: When operating machinery and driving vehicles When performing critical tasks requiring high levels of concentration Where consequences of errors are serious http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/extended.html Government of Australia-Approved Code of Practice-Working Hours May 2010

Fatigue can Reduce: Productivity and performance Communication skills Attention, vigilance and concentration Ability to handle stress on the job Hand-eye coordination Reaction time - both physical and cognitive Memory and the ability to recall details Decision making ability and good judgment Ability to stay awake while working One’s own ability to judge their own level of fatigue! http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/fatigue.html#_1_2 Government of Australia-Approved Code of Practice-Working Hours May 2010

Signs and Symptoms of Fatigue: Persistent Sleepiness Changes in mood: Irritability Weariness Giddiness Complacency Reduced alertness, lack of concentration and memory Lack of motivation Depression Headaches Increased errors, sloppiness and uncharacteristic misunderstanding of instructions http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/extended.html http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/workday.html

When persistent signs of fatigue are recognized.. Workers: Report to your supervisor Supervisors If a worker reports to you with symptoms, or If you recognize a worker displaying symptoms Let the worker know your observations If there are immediate medical concerns, advise them to go to first aid Ask them if there are aspects of their work that are contributing to the symptoms If the symptoms and causes are obviously fatigue – related, review the options available to control fatigue at the worker level and supervisor level. Complete the Occupational Fatigue Questionnaire Document the investigation in your incident recording system.

Options for Workers to Control Fatigue Get more and better sleep, studies suggest 6-8 hours everyday Sleep Hygiene Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday Use your bed primarily for sleeping (read, watch television and do work elsewhere) Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime Caffeine can remain in the body for about 3 to 7 hours and may effect sleep. Alcohol may shorten the time to fall asleep, but it disrupts later in the night. Nicotine also can disrupt sleep and reduce total sleep time. Make the room as quiet and as dark as possible Reduce stress and anxiety Maintain communication with family and friends Participate in recreation, leisure activities and exercise Seek professional assistance through Occupational Medicine Maintain a healthy diet Eat the balance of vegetables, fruit, lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, grains and bread recommended by the Canada food guide. Maintain general physical fitness and good health habits Take regular and frequent break periods throughout your work shift. Change positions, move about, and shift concentration Have nutritious snacks and rehydrate in between meals

Options for Supervisors to Control Fatigue Be able to recognize and monitor employees for signs and symptoms of fatigue Reinforce signs, symptoms and strategies to reduce fatigue with employees When possible, tasks that require heavy physical labor or intense concentration should be performed at the beginning of the shift when employees are most alert Provide opportunities for regular and frequent break periods throughout the work shift Work tasks should provide a variety of interest and should change throughout the shift U.S. Department of Health and Human Servives-Center for Disease Control and Prevention-National Insitute for Occupational Safety and Health-Plain Language About Shiftwork http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/extended.html http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/fatigue.html#_1_2

Options for Managers to Control Fatigue Provide opportunities for rest days Allow rest breaks for employees experiencing fatigue Provide opportunities for flexible hours Provide environments which have good lighting, comfortable temperatures and reasonable noise levels Provide employees with tools to reduce their fatigue, stress and anxiety such as opportunities for recreation and leisure activities, communication with family and friends and healthy food options