Fatigue Management
Fatigue on the job can lead to costly mistakes and serious injuries. This page shares guidance and resources to help recognize, manage, and reduce fatigue in the workplace.
Resources
Frequently
asked questions
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- Inadequate sleep or rest breaks
- Long or irregular work hours
- Physically demanding tasks
- Long commutes
- Poor nutrition or hydration
- Stress or chronic health conditions
- Reaction time and decision-making
- Memory and concentration
- Situational awareness: This increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities
- Slower physical or mental responses
- Frequent yawning or dozing off
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Poor coordination or clumsiness
- Increased mistakes
- Limit shift lengths and overtime
- Schedule regular breaks
- Rotate tasks to reduce physical strain
- Provide fatigue awareness training
- Encourage healthy sleep habits and hydration
Yes, to some extent, sleeping in on the weekends can help you feel more rested and improve your alertness during the day. However, it is not a complete solution as it may not fully compensate for chronic sleep loss, and research suggests it can take several days of good sleep to recover from even one hour of sleep debt.
No, it is not safe to operate equipment when fatigued due to slower reaction time, reduced coordination, and the possibility of dozing off (microsleeps).
TOOLBOX TALKS
Download and use this Toolbox Talks at your next safety meeting.