Fatigue Risk

Management
Systems
An Introduction

+44 330 220 191 info@frmsc.com www.frmsc.com

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2

Section 1. Understanding Occupational Fatigue 4

Definition and types of occupational fatigue 5
Physiological and psychological factors that
contribute to fatigue 6
Effects of fatigue on work performance and safety 7

Section 2. Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) 8

Introduction to fatigue risk management systems 9
Key components of an effective FRMS 10

Section 3. Tools and Methods to Assess Fatigue Risk 12

Overview of tools and methods 13

Section 4. Mitigating Fatigue Risk 14

Strategies for mitigating fatigue risk at the organisational level 15
Strategies for mitigating fatigue risk at the individual level 16

Section 5. Industry Case Studies 17

Aviation industry 18
Healthcare industry 18
Transportation industry 19
Mining industry 19
Energy industry 19

Section 6. Future Trends and Challenges 20

Emerging trends and technologies 21

Summary 22

Appendix A. Gap Analysis Template 24

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Safety critical industries require workers to perform complex
and demanding tasks that often involve operating heavy
machinery, handling hazardous materials, and making critical
decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
In these industries, the consequences of fatigue-related errors
or accidents can be catastrophic, not only in terms of damage
to property and financial losses but also in terms of loss of
human life.
Occupational fatigue is a significant risk factor in these safety critical
industries. Fatigue can impair cognitive function, reaction time and
decision-making abilities. This makes workers more susceptible to
errors, accidents, and injuries. Moreover, fatigue can have a significant
impact on employee well-being which can lead to physical and mental
health problems, reduced job satisfaction and increased staff turnover
rates.
Legislation plays an important role in controlling working hours to
reduce fatigue and ensure the safety and well-being of workers. There
are specific regulations and guidelines in place that limit the number
of hours workers can be on duty, for example, Flight Time Limitations
in aircrew, the European Working Time Directive and maximum daily
driving hours. These regulations typically set maximum limits for
consecutive working hours, require adequate rest periods between
shifts, and establish weekly or monthly limits on total working hours.
By enforcing these regulations, authorities aim to prevent excessive
fatigue and minimize the risk of accidents and errors caused by tired
workers.
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While working hour legislation is an important tool in reducing worker
fatigue, it has limitations. The focus on working hours may not capture
the full complexity of fatigue risk with factors such as shift schedules,
workload, and the nature of the work contributing to fatigue. Strict
adherence to working hour limits is restrictive and may not always
be feasible in certain industries with unique operational demands or
during emergencies. Compliance with legislation alone does not
guarantee that workers will be well-rested and free from fatigue-
related risks.
A multi-faceted approach combining legislation with education, training,
and fatigue risk management systems is important to address the
complexities of worker fatigue effectively. Whilst this does not create
a panacea that eradicates fatigue, an effective fatigue risk management
system can help organisations identify and assess fatigue risks,
implement strategies to mitigate those risks and monitor the
effectiveness of those strategies over time. By doing so, organisations
can improve safety, enhance productivity and promote employee
well-being.
This guide provides an overview of the nature of occupational fatigue,
the risks it poses to safety and performance, and strategies and tools
that organisations can implement to manage risks effectively. It is a
valuable resource for safety critical industry professionals, providing
a practical and comprehensive guide to managing occupational
fatigue risk.
Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 3
SECTION 1
UNDERSTANDING
OCCUPATIONAL FATIGUE
SECTION 1
UNDERSTANDING
OCCUPATIONAL FATIGUE

DEFINITION AND TYPES OF

OCCUPATIONAL FATIGUE
Occupational fatigue is a physical and/or mental state of reduced
performance capacity as a result of prolonged work-related activities.
It can be a problem in safety-critical industries where workers often
perform tasks that are physically and mentally demanding and need
prolonged attention and vigilance.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation defines fatigue as:
Understanding different types of fatigue is important. Fatigue can be
classified into:
Transient fatigue: acute fatigue caused by a lack of sleep or staying
awake for an extended period of time within one or two days.
Cumulative fatigue: caused by a series of days of repeated sleep
restriction or extended hours awake.

“a physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance
capability resulting from sleep loss or extended wakefulness,
circadian phase, or workload (mental and/or physical activity)
that can impair a crew member’s alertness and ability to safely
operate an aircraft or perform safety-related duties.”
There are different ways in which fatigue can be caused:
Physical Fatigue is due to prolonged physical exertion from factors
including heavy lifting, repetitive motions or standing for extended
periods.
Circadian fatigue: defined as decreased performance during the
night, particularly during an individual’s window of circadian low
(WOCL).
Safety critical industry professionals need to understand these different
types of occupational fatigue in order to develop effective management
and mitigation strategies. A comprehensive fatigue risk management
programme should address all types of fatigue and the factors that
contribute to them.

Mental Fatigue is caused by prolonged mental exertion, including

sustained attention, decision making or problem solving.

Emotional Fatigue results from prolonged exposure to emotional

stress.

Chronic Fatigue is a long-term condition caused by a combination

of physical, mental and emotional factors.

Sleep Deprivation is a common cause of occupational fatigue,

particularly in circumstances where shift work is common.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 5

SECTION 1
UNDERSTANDING
OCCUPATIONAL FATIGUE
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO FATIGUE
Fatigue is complex, resulting from a combination of physiological
and psychological factors. Understanding these factors is essential
for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate fatigue
risk in safety critical industries.
Physiological factors that contribute to fatigue include:
Sleep Deficits
Lack of sleep is a major contributor to fatigue. Sleep deprivation
leading to decreased cognitive function, increased reaction times,
impaired judgment, reduced communication, mood changes and
sleepiness.
Physical Exertion
Physical exertion, such as heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or
prolonged standing, causes physical fatigue, muscle fatigue and
reduced physical performance.
Nutritional Deficits
A diet lacking in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamins or
minerals, affects physiological function which can lead to fatigue,
weakness and decreased physical and mental performance.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer
and respiratory disorders, can lead to on-going fatigue, causing
reduced physical and mental performance.
© FRMSc Ltd
Psychological factors that contribute to fatigue include:
Mental Exertion
Prolonged mental exertion such as sustained attention, decision-
making and problem-solving, results in mental fatigue, reduced
cognitive function and impaired judgment.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stress such as dealing with difficult customers, patients
or colleagues, can lead to emotional exhaustion, reduced empathy
and burnout.
Workload and Job Demands
High job demands such as long working hours, high workloads
and tight deadlines, creates fatigue and decreased physical and
mental performance.
Work Schedule and Shift Work
Shift work, irregular work schedules and night work all disrupt
the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep deprivation,
fatigue and decreased physical and mental performance.
Physiological and psychological factors can interact and compound
each other, leading to chronic fatigue. Developing effective strategies to
manage and mitigate fatigue risk requires a comprehensive approach
that addresses all contributing factors.
Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 6
SECTION 1
UNDERSTANDING
OCCUPATIONAL FATIGUE

EFFECTS OF FATIGUE ON WORK

PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY
Fatigue can have a significant impact on work performance and safety.
The effects of fatigue can be both physical and mental and may include:

Reduced Cognitive Function: diminishing attention, memory and Increased Errors and Accidents: studies have shown that fatigue
decision-making skills. This can result in errors, accidents, and increases the risk of errors and accidents by up to 62% .
reduced productivity.

Reduced Productivity: including slower work pace, decreased

Impaired Judgement: resulting in poor decision-making and efficiency and decreased output. This can result in increased costs
increased risk-taking. This can cause accidents, injuries, and other and decreased profitability.
safety incidents.

Negative Health Effects: including increased risk of chronic health

Increased Reaction Time: making it more difficult to respond conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
quickly to unexpected events. This can increase the risk of
accidents and injuries.

Decreased Physical Performance: including reduced strength,

endurance and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and
injuries when performing physical tasks.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 7

SECTION 2
FATIGUE RISK MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS (FRMS)
SECTION 2
FATIGUE RISK MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS (FRMS)

INTRODUCTION TO FATIGUE RISK

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
A Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) is a means for
organisations to identify and minimize the acute and chronic causes Assessment Modelling &
of fatigue and manage the associated risks. It takes a holistic approach of Current Analysis of
to identify potential hazards, assess risks and develop and implement Conditions fatigue risk
mitigation strategies. FRMS are designed to improve productivity and
safety outcomes and are more flexible than duty-rest and hours-of
service regulations.

Overarching Fatigue Risk Management (FRM) follows the same FRMS

principles as an FRMS but has less emphasis on processes and formal Process
structures. An FRM may be sufficient for some organisations, however
in safety critical industries, an FRMS provides a more appropriate
solution.

FRMS are prevalent in industries including aviation, transportation and

oil and gas as a method of managing their fatigue risk. The application Assessment Mitigation of the
and Feedback fatigue risk
of FRM continues to grow and it is becoming increasingly used in the
healthcare and energy sectors to promote safety, reduce accidents
and improve employee well-being.
Figure 1. Stages of an FRMS process

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 9

SECTION 2
FATIGUE RISK MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS (FRMS)

KEY COMPONENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE FRMS

FRMS comprise multiple components that address the various roles, Fatigue Mitigation Strategies
responsibilities, structures and processes within an organisation. The Once the potential sources of fatigue risk have been assessed,
key components of an effective FRMS are: mitigation strategies should be developed and implemented. The
following are some example strategies:
Fatigue Risk Assessment
A comprehensive risk assessment identifies all potential sources of
fatigue risk in the workplace. This is essential for developing effective • Optimise work schedules: this can include using rest breaks,
mitigation strategies and implementing a successful FRMS. Some key reducing shift lengths, providing adequate time off between
considerations for conducting a fatigue risk assessment are: shifts, avoiding quick shift changes and avoiding backwardly
rotating shifts. Work schedules should be designed to minimise
fatigue and tailored to the specific needs of the workplace.
• Identify potential sources of fatigue risk: there are many factors
• Provide fatigue education and training: employees should
that can contribute to occupational fatigue, including work
receive education and training on the risks and consequences
schedule, workload, sleep patterns and job demands.
of fatigue, as well as mitigation strategies.
• Assess the likelihood and impact of each risk: once potential
• Implement fatigue monitoring programs: these can help to
sources of fatigue risk have been identified, they should be
identify workers who may be at risk of fatigue, so that appropriate
assessed for likelihood and impact. This involves considering how
preventative action may be taken. These programs can include
often the risk is likely to occur and the potential consequences
self-reporting, peer reporting and the use of objective measures
if it does occur.
such as wearables and bio-mathematical models.
• Prioritise risks: once all potential sources of fatigue risk have been
• Ensure adequate time for rest and recovery: adequate time for
assessed, they should be prioritised based on their likelihood
rest and recovery is essential for preventing fatigue. Organisations
and potential impact. This can help to ensure that the most
should ensure that employees have adequate time off between
significant risks are addressed first.
shifts and provide sufficient time for sleep.
• Involve all stakeholders: a successful risk assessment should
• Foster a culture of safety: a strong safety culture is essential for
involve input from all stakeholders, including employees,
promoting awareness and preventing fatigue-related accidents.
management and other relevant parties.
This should include encouraging open communication, effective
• Use evidence-based methods: a risk assessment should be reporting, providing opportunities for feedback/input and
based on scientific evidence and best practices. There are many promoting collective responsibility.
tools and methods available for conducting risk assessments
and it is important to use those most appropriate for the relevant
industry and workplace.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 10

SECTION 2
FATIGUE RISK MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS (FRMS)
Incident Reporting and Analysis
A key component of any FRMS is the ability to identify and analyse
incidents that could implicate fatigue as a causative factor. This includes
near misses as well as accidents, errors and other safety incidents.
The information gathered from incident reporting and analysis can
be used to refine and improve the FRMS. Implementing incident
reporting is a multiple step process that includes:
• Establishing a reporting system: an effective incident reporting
system should be easy to use, confidential and accessible to all
workers. It should also be clearly communicated to all employees,
so they know how and when to report incidents.
• Collecting and analysing incident data: once incidents have
been reported, it is important to collect and analyse the data
to identify trends and patterns, assess the severity of incidents
and evaluate the effectiveness of fatigue mitigation strategies.
• Using data to inform risk management strategies: the data
collected should allow the identification of the most significant
sources of fatigue risk, evaluation of the effectiveness of
mitigation strategies, and enable informed decisions to be made
about future risk management strategies.
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Continuous Improvement
An FRMS is an ever-evolving system and should be designed for
continuous improvement.
Factors to consider include:
• Regular evaluation of the effectiveness of any fatigue mitigation
strategies: evaluating the frequency and severity of fatigue-
related incidents and conducting surveys or assessments to
gather feedback from stake holders are all valid approaches.
• Identification of any new sources of fatigue risk: over time,
new sources of fatigue risk may emerge such as changes in
work schedules or job duties. It is important to continue to
identify these.
• Implement new strategies to address identified risks: strategies
must remain dynamic to address new fatigue sources.
• Performance Monitoring: FRMS require ongoing monitoring of
employee performance to identify signs of fatigue and to ensure
that employees are adequately rested and alert while on the job.
• Using a Fatigue Safety Advisory Group (FSAG) to address
and manage fatigue-related risks within an organisation. It
provides expert guidance, recommendations and support in
reviewing data, assessing the effectiveness of practices, making
derogation decisions and identifying areas for improvement.
Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 11
SECTION 3
TOOLS AND METHODS TO
ASSESS FATIGUE RISK
SECTION 3
TOOLS AND METHODS TO
ASSESS FATIGUE RISK
Assessing fatigue is crucial in safety critical industries because
fatigue can significantly impact worker performance and safety.
Fatigue affects reaction and concentration times, decision making
and wellbeing, all of which impact organisational risk.

By assessing and measuring fatigue, risks, trends and hotspots

can be identified. Proactively managing fatigue reduces the risk
of fatigue-related incidents and improves worker safety and
performance.

OVERVIEW OF TOOLS AND METHODS

There are several tools and methods available for assessing fatigue By using these tools and methods to assess fatigue risk, organisations
and its associated risks. The appropriateness of tools depends on can develop more effective strategies to improve employee safety
the industry, work roles and other organisational factors, but here and performance.
are some examples:

1 Sleep diaries
and actigraphy:
these assess sleep quality
and quantity. Sleep diaries
involve keeping a record of
2 Psychomotor
attention. PVTs can be used to
sleep patterns, while
actigraphy involves using a
device to monitor sleep-
wake patterns.
vigilance tests (PVTs):
these are cognitive tests that
measure reaction time and
assess fatigue-related
impairments in cognitive
performance and can help to
identify workers who may be
at increased risk of incident.
3 Fatigue risk
biomathematical models:
these models use algorithms to
predict the likelihood of fatigue
and its associated risk based on
4 Questionnaires
factors such as work schedule,
sleep habits and other factors
that may impact fatigue. The
models can help to identify
work patterns that may induce
excessive fatigue and also
support fatigue mitigation
strategies.
and surveys:
these can be used to assess
subjective measures of fatigue
such as feelings of alertness.
The methods can provide
insight into how workers
perceive their own levels of
fatigue (which importantly has
a psychosomatic effect on
actual fatigue) and can help to
identify potential sources of
fatigue-related risks.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 13

SECTION 4
MITIGATING FATIGUE RISK
SECTION 4
MITIGATING FATIGUE RISK
Mitigating fatigue risk is an essential aspect of managing fatigue
in safety critical industries. The goal of fatigue risk mitigation is
to reduce the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents and injuries

3
by implementing strategies that help manage and reduce fatigue.
There are several approaches that can be taken, some at an
organisational level and some by individuals.
Fatigue training:
Educating workers about the risks of fatigue and how to
manage them can help prevent fatigue-related incidents. This
can include knowledge of sleep disorders, training on sleep
hygiene, nutrition and the impact of shift work on the body.

STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING FATIGUE

RISK AT THE ORGANISATIONAL LEVEL
These include:
4 Technology and equipment:
In industries where safety is critical, technology solutions can
be a useful tool for managing fatigue risk. For example,
fatigue detection systems can monitor driver behaviour and
alert them when they are at risk of falling asleep, while

1
autopilot systems in aviation can reduce pilot workload on
long flights. Alertness monitoring systems can detect changes
Effect scheduling and work practices: in employee alertness levels and prompt them to act if they
There are many options for organisations in this respect, for are at risk of falling asleep. Automatic shut-off devices on
example, creating forward-rotating shifts (morning, machinery are another effective means to prevent accidents
afternoon and night shifts in rotation), which allow at work. It is, however, essential that technology solutions are
employees to maintain a regular sleep schedule; adjusting always used in conjunction with other, human based
shift start times to ensure they get adequate rest; strategies, to effectively manage fatigue risk.
scheduling regular breaks and rest periods; ensuring that
shifts are no longer than a certain number of hours; and
providing adequate time off between shifts.

5 Monitoring and reporting:

2
Regular monitoring and reporting of fatigue-related
incidents as well as near misses can help identify areas of
Workload management: concern and inform fatigue risk mitigation strategies.
These can support good working practice policies. For
example, implementing workload tracking systems that
monitor the number of hours employees work and
Organisational strategies must be tailored to the specific needs and
workload distribution.
circumstances of the industry, workplace, and workforce and should
be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they remain effective.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 15

SECTION 4
MITIGATING FATIGUE RISK

STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING FATIGUE

RISK AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
Fatigue is a complex issue that can be influenced by a variety of
3 Exercise:
Regular exercise can improve overall health and reduce the
risk of fatigue. Individuals can incorporate exercise into their
daily routine by taking regular walks, participating in fitness
classes or engaging in other physical activities, whilst
individual factors. Therefore, it is important to also consider individual maintaining good sleep hygiene.
strategies in safety-critical industries. Some examples are:

1 Sleep hygiene:
Getting enough sleep is essential for managing fatigue.
Individuals can improve their sleep hygiene by establishing
a regular sleep schedule, use naps, avoiding caffeine and
limiting alcohol and exercise before bedtime, and creating a
4 Stress management:
Stress can contribute greatly to fatigue, so individuals should
learn to manage stress effectively. This can include practicing
relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, taking
breaks throughout the day and avoiding over-commitment,
sleep-conducive environment. including excessive workload.

2 Diet:
A healthy diet can also help reduce the risks of fatigue.
Individuals can improve their diets by eating a balanced
diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and
avoiding heavy or high-fat meals before work.
5 Caffeine:
Caffeinated products can be consumed as a temporary
countermeasure to fatigue, however, use of such stimulants
too close to bedtime are likely to have a detrimental effect
on sleep quality.

These strategies are not one-size-fits-all and may need to be adapted

to suit individual needs and circumstances. Furthermore, while individual
strategies can be helpful, they should be viewed as complementary to
organisational and workplace interventions, such as optimising work
schedules, providing opportunities for rest breaks and promoting a
culture of safety and well-being.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 16

SECTION 5
INDUSTRY CASE STUDIES
SECTION 5
INDUSTRY CASE STUDIES
FRMS have been implemented in numerous safety-critical
industries around the world to provide increased flexibility and
oversight compared with duty time limitations. The sectors
where regulators have proactively sought to introduce fatigue
risk regulations have seen success but there are also examples
where fatigue risk management has been implemented without
mandated regulations.
AVIATION INDUSTRY
The aviation industry is one of the most safety-critical industries, where
fatigue management is of utmost importance. Due to the nature of
aviation, pilots and air traffic controllers must maintain high levels of
alertness and attention for extended periods of time.
The aviation industry has been at the forefront of developing and
implementing effective FRMS. These programs typically include
policies and procedures for managing fatigue, training for employees
on recognizing and managing fatigue, and scheduling practices that
prioritize adequate rest and recovery.
ICAO guidelines on fatigue risk management have been adopted by
many regulators around the world, and the airline industry’s use of
data analytics and sleep science to optimize scheduling and minimize
the risk of fatigue-related accidents is widespread.
© FRMSc Ltd
One such example in aviation is the UK CAA implementation of the
Flight Time/Duty Time regulations. The UK CAA were at the forefront
with their 1970 appointment of the Bader Committee to investigate
fatigue risk. Their regulations dictate how long pilots are allowed to
fly and how much rest they must have between flights. The CAA also
requires airlines to develop their own fatigue risk management plans,
which must be approved by the authority.
The aviation industry’s focus on fatigue risk management have
considered to improve safety and performance. It serves as a model
for other safety-critical industries.
HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY
Fatigue can have serious consequences in the healthcare industry,
where professionals such as doctors, nurses, and support staff work
long hours and irregular shifts, leading to fatigue-related errors and
adverse events. To address these issues, many healthcare organisations
worldwide have implemented fatigue risk management programs.
For instance, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has introduced
the “Safe and Sustainable Staffing” initiative to reduce fatigue and
improve patient safety by ensuring appropriate staffing levels for the
workload. The programme uses standardised tools to assess workload
and staffing levels, provides training on fatigue risk management
strategies, and introduces guidelines for shift length and breaks.
However, there is yet to be a common approach across all organisations
to effectively manage fatigue risk.
Similarly, Canadian healthcare organisations have implemented fatigue
management policies and guidelines, and the Australian Medical
Association has developed guidelines on fatigue management for
healthcare professionals. These initiatives show that the healthcare
industry is recognising the importance of managing fatigue risk to
ensure patient safety as well as clinician wellbeing.
Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 18

SECTION 5
INDUSTRY CASE STUDIES
TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY
The transportation industry, including trucking and rail, have
implemented measures to address fatigue risk. These include policies
on rest breaks and scheduling, as well as the use of fatigue monitoring
technologies to detect signs of fatigue in drivers. Some transportation
companies have also implemented wellness programs to promote
healthy sleep habits and improve overall employee well-being.
In recent years, UK Network Rail, the owner and operator of most of
the rail infrastructure in the UK, has recognised the importance of
managing fatigue risk. The organisation has implemented a
comprehensive system that includes risk assessments, training, and
technology-based fatigue monitoring systems across the rail industry
supply chain.
Network Rail’s approach is based on the principles of the British
Standard BS 8484:2016, which provides guidance on the management
of fatigue in safety-critical industries. Network Rail’s program is
designed to ensure that workers are not fatigued to a level that poses
a risk to safety and that they are fit to perform their duties.
Likewise, the US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has
implemented regulations that limit the number of hours a worker
can be on duty and mandate rest periods between shifts.
© FRMSc Ltd
In the commercial trucking industry, drivers often work long hours and
face pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and potentially
dangerous driving conditions. To address these risks, regulators
including the Australian National Transport Commission and the US
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have implemented
hours-of-service regulations that limit the amount of time a driver can
spend behind the wheel and mandate rest breaks.
The maritime industry also faces challenges related to fatigue,
particularly for employees on long voyages or those working irregular
schedules. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has developed
fatigue management guidelines to improve safety in this industry.
MINING INDUSTRY
Mining operations often involve long hours of work, irregular shift
patterns, and physically demanding work, which can lead to fatigue
among workers. Fatigue-related accidents in this industry can be severe,
resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.
Regulations and guidelines have been developed in many countries
to ensure that mining companies implement effective fatigue risk
programs. For example, in Australia, the New South Wales Resources
Regulator has developed guidelines for the mining industry, which
outline best practices for managing fatigue-related risks. Similarly, in
Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has
developed guidelines on shift work and fatigue in the industry.
ENERGY INDUSTRY
Regulations and guidelines have been developed in many countries
to ensure that energy companies implement effective fatigue risk
management programs. For example, in the UK, the Office of Nuclear
Regulation has developed guidance on fatigue risk management for
nuclear safety, which outlines best practices for managing fatigue-
related risks in the nuclear industry. Again, in Canada, the Canadian
Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has developed guidelines
for the oil and gas industry.
Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 19
SECTION 6
FUTURE TRENDS AND
CHALLENGES
SECTION 6
FUTURE TRENDS AND
CHALLENGES

EMERGING TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Fatigue risk management is an evolving field and new trends and
technologies are emerging to help organisations better manage
fatigue-related risks. Some of the emerging trends and technologies
include:

Wearable devices: such as smartwatches and fitness trackers,
can monitor biometric data such as heart rate and sleep
patterns to detect signs of fatigue in individuals. These can also
provide feedback and alerts to individuals and supervisors,
enabling them to take action to manage fatigue-related risks.
Fatigue risk assessment tools: can be used to assess the level of
fatigue-related risk in an organisation. These tools can incorporate
factors such as workload, shift patterns and sleep quality to identify
areas of risk and prioritize actions to manage those risks.

Virtual reality (VR) training: can be used to simulate high-pressure

Artificial intelligence (AI): can be used to analyse large amounts
of data, such as shift schedules and fatigue-related incidents. This
can identify patterns and trends that may indicate fatigue-related
risks. AI can also be used to develop predictive models that help
organisations anticipate and prevent fatigue-related incidents.
Predictive scheduling: is a scheduling strategy that uses data
analysis to predict workload demands and schedule workers
accordingly. It can help organisations to better manage fatigue-
related risks by ensuring that workers are not overworked or
underworked.
and high-stress situations such as emergency response scenarios,
to train workers on how to manage fatigue and perform critical
tasks under stressful conditions.
Flexible work arrangements: such as telecommuting and flexible
schedules can help workers to better manage their work-life
balance and reduce the risk of fatigue-related incidents.
Employee wellness programs: such as stress management and
mindfulness training can help workers to manage the physical
and mental impacts of fatigue.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 21

SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Fatigue-related accidents can have severe consequences, including
injuries, fatalities and damage to equipment and infrastructure.

Managing occupational fatigue risk is not only a legal and

regulatory requirement but also a moral obligation for
organisations in safety-critical industries.

Organisations in these industries must prioritise fatigue risk management

as part of their overall safety culture. By investing in effective fatigue
risk management programs, organisations can protect their workers
and their business while contributing to a safer and more sustainable
future.

Managing fatigue risk is an ongoing process that requires the

commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. By implementing
an FRMS, organisations can ensure the safety of their workers and the
public while also improving performance and productivity.

Organisations can start by assessing their current fatigue risk

management practices and identifying areas for improvement. This
may involve reviewing policies and procedures related to scheduling
and workload management, providing training to managers and workers
on fatigue risk management strategies, and investing in technology
solutions for fatigue monitoring and management.

Appendix A provides a gap analysis to support the development of

an effective fatigue risk management system. The checklist shows that
policies, procedures, documents and training are all required for a
comprehensive system.

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 23

FRMSc has over 40 years of experience in fatigue science and its
countermeasures. We specialise in the implementation of fatigue
management in safety-critical occupations, built on our origins of
working with the UK government and Civil Aviation Authority. Our
extensive research and expertise have contributed to regulations
and industry best practice across the world.

FRMSc has implemented FRMS in organisations around the globe,

creating effective cultural change and processes to improve safety and
productivity. We have helped them overcome challenges in process
adoption and embedding fatigue risk management in multi-cultural
organisations.

Our world-class tools, consultancy, research and training are used by

clients across the world providing best practice fatigue risk management.
We provide our clients comprehensive and unmatched expertise in
fatigue science, risk and management.

+44 330 220 191 info@frmsc.com www.frmsc.com

APPENDIX
APPENDIX A
GAP ANALYSIS TEMPLATE

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 25

APPENDIX A
GAP ANALYSIS TEMPLATE

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APPENDIX A
GAP ANALYSIS TEMPLATE

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 27

APPENDIX A
GAP ANALYSIS TEMPLATE

© FRMSc Ltd Fatigue Risk Management Systems | An Introduction 28

APPENDIX A
GAP ANALYSIS TEMPLATE

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APPENDIX A
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This information has been adapted using best practice guidance from the Aviation industry including UK CAA, CASA and ICAO.

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