1. Health Risks in Construction
This tool box talk explains about fatigue
Toolbox Talk
Fatigue
Health Risks in Construction
This project has been delivered with support from the CITB Growth Fund, which aims to ensure that the construction industry has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time and is equipped to meet the future skills demands of the industry.

2. What is Fatigue? There is no clear definition of fatigue
Generally though, it is a feeling of tiredness and being unable to perform work effectively

3. What can cause fatigue?
Loss of sleep, whether that be in one night or over many
Poor quality sleep
Long working hours
Inadequate breaks during the working day
Poorly designed shift work
Loss of sleep – ‘acute’ eg having 5 hours sleep instead of the usual 8 in a night. Or cumulative’ having 7 hours sleep instead of the usual 8 over a number of nights
Poor quality sleep – lots of interruptions
Long working hours, especially if between 14 – 16 hours
Inadequate breaks during the working day
Poorly designed shift work
Having to work at a ‘low point’ in the day, eg early hours of the morning, mid to late afternoon and after meals

4. Signs of Fatigue A worker will be: Less alert
Less able to process information
Have slower reaction times
Less interest in working

5. What are the main effects of fatigue?
Find it hard to:
Concentrate
Make clear decisions
Take in and act on information
Have more frequent lapses of attention or memory
Slower reactions, eg to hazards arising in the workplace

6. What are the main effects of fatigue?
Make more errors
Feeling drowsy which could lead to falling asleep at work
Have little motivation or interest in their work
Be irritable

7. Be aware… You may not appreciate how tired you are
You can get use to being tired and have ways of coping with how you feel
Coping with being tired can increase
Stress
Risk of stomach problems
Other health issues

8. Prevention
Make sure you have an opportunity to sleep at least 8 hours sleep between shifts
Try and develop good sleeping habits
Take your breaks during the working day
Eat a well balanced diet
Take time to relax after work and prepare mind and body for sleep
Try and sleep at the same time each day
When trying to sleep during the day try and find a cool, dark location or set the room up how you like it to help you sleep
Take your breaks, have a snack or try and do a little bit of exercise during the break to feel refreshed
Eat a well balanced diet. Do not eat large quantities before bedtime as this may cause problems with trying to sleep
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes as these substances can cause problems with sleeping

9. For more information HSE Website –

10. ANY QUESTIONS? www.cbhscheme.com
If you have any questions about anything raised in this TBT about mental well being and stress then please speak to you Manager, contact your GP or call the CBH helpline on
Thanks for listening today