Quick Tips for a Safer Environment - Looking back on National Safety Month

National Safety Month: How to Tackle Workplace Fatigue for a Safer Environment

National Safety Month (June) is an excellent opportunity for managers, health & safety (H&S) professionals, and leaders to recognize and address workplace fatigue risks to improve employee well-being and operational safety.

Risk recognition, including fatigue risk and mitigation, is one of the topics focused on during National Safety Month. The National Safety Council reports that fatigue in the workplace is responsible for an estimated 13% of all workplace injuries and a significant percentage of workplace fatalities, posing serious risks to worker health and safety.

Recognizing and Mitigating Fatigue Risks

Fatigue in the workplace can be attributed to many factors, including working long hours, working during the night and early morning (e.g., shiftwork), and inadequate rest and recovery time between shifts. c. Furthermore, many personal factors, such as stress, health, and family responsibilities, can also contribute to a person’s level of fatigue. No matter the cause though, it is critical to recognize when a worker is experiencing fatigue at work and take actions to mitigate the risks such as:

1. Provide Education on Identifying Signs of Fatigue: All employees and supervisors should receive fatigue training about the causes, signs, and consequences of fatigue. By educating your workforce, you can empower them to take personal responsibility for themselves as well as watch out for each other. 
2. Implement Structured Schedules: Ensure balanced workloads and adequate rest periods, adhere to work hour limits, promote regular breaks, and avoid excessive overtime.
3. Encourage Reporting: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting fatigue-related concerns without fear of reprisal. Early reporting creates opportunities for timely intervention and support.

Impact of Fatigue on Workplace Safety

Fatigue significantly impairs cognitive and physical performance and health, increasing the likelihood of workplace injuries and accidents.

Transportation: Drivers, particularly in the trucking industry, face long hours on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights that drowsy driving contributed to approximately 697 deaths annually. Regular breaks and other fatigue management strategies are vital to enhancing everyone’s safety on our roads. Hours of Service (HOS) regulations alone are not the answer; a driver can be compliant and tired or non-compliant and not tired. Implementing a comprehensive Fatigue Risk Management Plan reinforces the safety by systematically identifying and mitigating fatigue-related risks in aviation operations.

Manufacturing: In manufacturing settings, fatigue can result in slower reaction times and a higher risk of accidents with machinery. For example, accident and injury rates are 18% greater during evening shifts and 30% greater during night shifts when compared with day shifts. Ensuring adequate rest periods and monitoring work hours can help to reduce these risks.

Aviation: Pilots and air traffic controllers often work irregular hours across multiple time zones. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifies fatigue as a critical factor in aviation safety, emphasizing the need for effective fatigue management practices. Implementing a comprehensive Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) reinforces the safety of passengers and pilots by systematically identifying and mitigating fatigue-related risks in aviation operations.

Utilities: Workers in the utility sector often face extended hours during emergencies and maintenance tasks. Fatigue can lead to errors in judgment and decreased efficiency, affecting service reliability and safety.

Oil and Gas: Workers in the oil and gas industry often operate in hazardous environments. Fatigue can increase the risk of accidents and operational errors. The Deepwater Horizon disaster, one of the worst oil spills in history, was partially attributed to worker fatigue, highlighting the need for effective fatigue risk management to help prevent future disasters. 

Public Safety: Emergency responders and law enforcement officers frequently work long shifts under stressful conditions. Fatigue can impair their ability to make quick and accurate decisions, impacting public safety.

Healthcare: Long shifts and high-stress conditions can lead to fatigue among healthcare professionals, increasing the risk of medical errors and musculoskeletal injuries. Implementing structured schedules and promoting a strong safety culture can help mitigate these risks. A recent tragic incident involving a nurse in Boston who drove off the top floor of a parking garage after an extended shift highlights the significant consequences of fatigue.

Practical Strategies for Managing Fatigue

Organizations can adopt several practical strategies to manage fatigue and improve safety:

• Regular Breaks: Regular breaks can help workers rest and recuperate, reducing the likelihood of fatigue-related errors.
• Shift Rotation: Designing shift rotations that align with circadian rhythms can help workers adapt better and maintain alertness.
• Sleep Education: Educating employees about the importance of sleep hygiene and effective rest practices can improve overall well-being and fatigue levels.
• Health Monitoring: Regular health monitoring can help identify early signs of fatigue and present the opportunity for timely interventions and fatigue training.

Implementing Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS)

A comprehensive Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) can help organizations identify specific fatigue risks, implement mitigating policies and procedures, and maintain a proactive approach to fatigue management. FRMS can include:

• Gap Analysis of Current Fatigue Management Programs/Practices: Identifying areas of improvement within existing fatigue management strategies to enhance effectiveness.
• Fatigue Risk Assessment of Work Schedules: Evaluating work schedules to identify and mitigate fatigue risks.
• Fatigue Risk Model Analysis of Workplace Incidents and Accidents: Analyzing incidents to understand the role of fatigue and prevent future occurrences.
• Fatigue and Incident Investigation Support: Providing scientifically based opinions and strategies for investigating fatigue-related incidents.
• Developing a Fatigue Risk Management Plan: Creating comprehensive plans customized to the organization’s needs to manage and reduce fatigue risks.
• Education and Training on Sleep Optimization and Fatigue Mitigation: Engaging and empowering employees with practical, evidence-based tips and tools to manage fatigue and improve overall well-being. Fatigue training is a critical component of this education.

Implementing a comprehensive Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) or some critical components will help your organization reduce fatigue-related risks and foster a safer work environment. For guidance on where to start reach out to Circadian to learn more about how you can improve the safety and well-being of your team this National Safety Month.

For over 40 years, CIRCADIAN® has been at the forefront of enhancing 24/7 workforce performance and safety solutions, guiding organizations in effectively defining their fatigue risk tolerance. Our deep-rooted expertise in shift schedule optimization and fatigue risk management positions us as your ideal partner in this journey.

Reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation and learn more about the steps involved in defining your organization’s threshold for fatigue risk!

• Call us: 781-439-6300
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For deeper insights, explore our whitepapers:

• Evolution of Fatigue Risk Management Systems
• Shift Scheduling & Employee Involvement
• The Myths & Realities of Fatigue

Explore more whitepaper here.

Take the first step towards a safer, more productive workplace with CIRCADIAN®.