The relevance of effective fatigue management
Fatigue in the workplace is not just about feeling tired. Nor is the management of fatigue in the workplace all about rostering.
The symptoms of fatigue include reduced alertness, impaired judgement, slower reactions and poor motor skills. It adversely affects the efficiency and productivity of a person’s performance in carrying out the work task.
The management of fatigue is the shared legal responsibility of the Person in Control of Business or Undertaking (PCBU) and the worker.
The PCBU is responsible for ensuring that work arrangements provide a sufficient sleep opportunity so that the employee can recommence fit for work.
The workers are responsible for using sleep opportunities to obtain sufficient sleep in order to be fit for work plus they must advise their immediate supervisor if this doesn’t occur.
The issue arises when the supervisor is unsure how to handle this notification.
An effective Fatigue Management Program includes support and training of the supervisors.
An effective Fatigue Management Policy and procedure cannot be underestimated and should be included in each and every workplace health and safety Management Plan.
Safety Services Australia has experience working with organisations to develop effective and compliant fatigue management policies across various industries. If you would like to find out more please feel free to give me a call on +61 02 9836 3100 or email Info@safetyservices.net.au
