Safety Toolbox Talk: Fatigue At Work

What Causes Worker Fatigue?

Several factors including too little, poor quality or interrupted sleep over a period of time
can cause fatigue. Fatigue is the body's signal that a rest period is needed. Long work
hours and extended and irregular shifts may be stressful physically, mentally, and
emotionally.

The following are identified as hazards resulting from fatigue that can arise:
• Reduce the ability to make decisions
• Reduce communication skills
• Reduce attention
• Reduce the ability to handle stress
• Reduce reaction time
• Reduce productivity and performance

Tips for employees

Try to manage your fatigue-related risks in the workplace.

At work:
• Vary work tasks so you stay alert
• Take regular breaks
• Drink lots of water
• Tell your supervisor or manager if you are feeling fatigued

Outside of work:
• Making sleep a priority
• Improving the quality and quantity of your sleep; have a regular bed time
routine, make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and comfortable; get
treatment for sleep disorders.
• Choose what you eat and drink carefully: eat light nutritious meals (heavy
meals can make you drowsy); drink plenty of water, minimize your caffeine
and alcohol intake
• Learn the warning signs of fatigue and to recognize them in yourself, so that
you can take a break or have a power-nap

Getting enough sleep is something important that you do for your safety and the safety of
your co-workers. If you see the signs of fatigue in a co-worker, draw their attention to the
situation to ensure they are able to work safely. If you do not take a positive step, you
may be the one to be negatively impacted when an accident occurs.

And remember, we all work to live.