Fatigue at Work Infographic

Fatigue: feeling very tired or weary, resulting from insufficient sleep, prolonged mental or physical work, shift work, or extended periods of stress or anxiety.

One shift worker in five dozes off during a shift. [1]

SIGNS

• increased vulnerability to illness
• sleepiness
• giddiness
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• depression
• digestive problems

Staying awake for 24 hours straight affects the human body almost exactly like a blood alcohol level of .10%, which exceeds Canada's legal limit for drivers.

Impacts of fatigue

DECREASED

• decision making ability
• ability to do complex planning
• communication skills
• productivity / performance
• attention and vigilance
• ability to handle job stress
• reaction time
• memory / ability to recall details

INCREASED

• tendency for risk-taking
• forgetfulness
• errors in judgement
• sick time and absenteeism
• medical costs
• accident rates

Night, evening, rotating and irregular shifts are associated with in increased risk of occupational injury due to worker fatigue, less supervision and reduced co-worker support.[2]

Fatigue can impact work performance. Most accidents occur between midnight and 6 am, and between 1-3 pm.[3]

Fatigue is increased by...

• dim lighting
• limited visual acuity
• high temperatures
• high noise
• high comfort
• tasks over long periods of time
• long, repetitive and monotonous tasks

Tips for workers

• EAT a healthy diet that promotes longer-lasting energy. Complex carbohydrates (starch) are preferable to simple carbohydrates (sugar). Avoid fatty foods and junk food.
• ADOPT a steady exercise routine that includes cardiovascular, muscle strengthening and flexibility workouts.
• TRY to get at least 7.5 - 8.5 hours of sleep per night.
• AVOID driving if you are tired, especially in inclement weather where vision is impaired.

Advice for employers

• ENSURE the work environment does not promote fatigue. Try to avoid dim lighting, warm temperatures, and excessive noise.
• VARY job tasks to eliminate repetition or long periods of boring, monotonous work.
• INCORPORATE and encourage taking breaks.
• TRAIN workers on the importance of getting enough rest and how to achieve work-life balance.
• INTRODUCE shorter shifts, and rotate shifts in the direction of the sun (morning, afternoon, night, in that order).

[1] http://www.ccohs.ca/newsletters/hsreport/issues/2007/11/ezine.html
[2] http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/shiftwrk.html
[3] Alberta Human Resources and Employment. Fatigue, Extended Work Hours, and Safety in the Workplace in Workplace Health and Safety, June 2004, Reformatted August 2010

CCOHS.ca
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety