Fatigue - Safety First Safety Basics

Summary

Fatigue affects anyone and goes beyond simple tiredness — it’s mental and physical exhaustion that impairs coordination, memory, concentration and vision. The script explains how fatigue can stem from work-related factors (long or irregular hours, shift work, intense physical or mental effort, travel, extreme temperatures, insufficient recovery) as well as personal causes, and may be acute or cumulative. Certain roles — night-shift, FIFO, drive-in/out, seasonal or on-call workers — face higher risk. Fatigue not only harms individual health but endangers coworkers and public safety during high-risk tasks. The message: everyone shares responsibility for safety—check with supervisors, prioritise rest, and put safety first.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fatigue can affect anyone, regardless of the type of work they do.
• 😀 Certain work types, such as shift work or long hours, have higher risks of fatigue.
• 😀 Fatigue is more than just feeling tired – it includes both mental and physical exhaustion that impairs performance.
• 😀 Signs of fatigue include tiredness even after sleep, slow reflexes, poor memory, inability to concentrate, and blurred vision.
• 😀 The causes of fatigue can be work-related, personal, or a combination of both.
• 😀 Work-related causes of fatigue include long or intense mental/physical activity, sleep disruption, long travel, and extreme environmental conditions.
• 😀 Workers in specific roles, like shift workers, seasonal workers, and on-call workers, are at a higher risk of fatigue.
• 😀 Fatigue can negatively affect mental and physical health, as well as the safety of those around you.
• 😀 Fatigue leads to slower reactions, poor decision-making, and increased risk of incidents, especially in high-risk environments.
• 😀 Everyone in the workplace shares the responsibility to help reduce fatigue-related risks and promote safety.
• 😀 Always check with your supervisor or OHS representative before taking on unfamiliar tasks to ensure safety.

Q & A

What is fatigue in the workplace?

Fatigue in the workplace is more than just feeling tired. It is a state of mental and physical exhaustion that significantly reduces one's ability to perform work safely and efficiently.

What are some signs of fatigue?

Signs of fatigue include tiredness even after sleep, reduced hand-eye coordination, slow reflexes, short-term memory problems, inability to concentrate, blurred vision, and an increased need for sleep on days off.

What are common causes of fatigue in the workplace?

Common causes of workplace fatigue include prolonged or intense mental or physical activity, sleep loss, disruption of the body's internal clock, long travel and time zone changes, extreme work environments, excessive work hours, and insufficient recovery time between shifts.

Who is at high risk of workplace fatigue?

Workers at high risk for fatigue include shift and night workers, fly-in fly-out workers, drive-in drive-out workers, seasonal workers, and on-call workers.

How can fatigue affect safety in the workplace?

Fatigue can impair a worker's alertness, slow down reactions to signals or situations, and affect decision-making, which increases the risk of accidents or injuries, especially in high-risk environments such as operating heavy machinery, driving, or working with hazardous materials.

Can fatigue impact both mental and physical health?

Yes, fatigue affects both mental and physical health. It can result in impaired cognitive function, like poor concentration and memory issues, as well as physical symptoms like slower reflexes and lack of coordination.

What should workers do if they feel fatigued while working?

If workers feel fatigued, they should communicate with their supervisor or OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) representative before proceeding with any unfamiliar tasks, ensuring that safety is prioritized first.

How does shift work contribute to fatigue?

Shift work, especially night shifts, disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm and sleep patterns, leading to insufficient or poor-quality sleep, which can contribute to increased fatigue.

What are the risks of fatigue when working with high-risk equipment or hazardous materials?

Fatigue can result in slower response times and poor decision-making, which significantly increases the risk of accidents, particularly when operating high-risk equipment, working at heights, or handling flammable or explosive substances.

How can fatigue be managed in high-risk workplaces?

Fatigue can be managed by ensuring proper work scheduling, taking regular breaks, allowing sufficient recovery time between shifts, and maintaining good sleep hygiene. Workers should also be encouraged to report fatigue and avoid working if they are too tired to perform safely.