WSH Guidelines on Fatigue Management

Fatigue is a state of tiredness that can severely affect both mental and physical performance, compromising workplace safety. When workers experience fatigue, their alertness, reflexes, judgment, and decision-making capabilities are significantly reduced, leading to potential safety risks. In fact, fatigue-related incidents can result in workplace accidents or near-miss situations due to diminished concentration and slower reaction times.

Fatigue can be caused by various factors, including long working hours, poorly designed shift schedules, and insufficient management of work demands. Specific contributing elements include:

• Organizational factors: Lack of a comprehensive fatigue management policy, unexpected increases in workload, shortages of equipment or manpower, and the nature of work can accelerate the onset of fatigue.
• Environmental factors: Poor lighting or extreme temperatures can also exacerbate fatigue in the workplace.
• Individual factors: Employees’ health, lifestyle, and social circumstances can further influence their susceptibility to fatigue.

While it is difficult to completely eliminate long working hours or shift work, implementing a fatigue management policy can mitigate the associated risks and safeguard workplace safety. Proper scheduling, monitoring of workloads, and providing adequate rest are critical strategies in preventing fatigue.

This training course is designed to provide essential guidance on managing workplace fatigue, with a focus on improving safety and health outcomes. Participants will learn about recommended measures to:

• Raise awareness of the risks associated with fatigue in the workplace.
• Implement effective strategies for managing shift work, preventing long work hours, and improving overall work schedules.
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle to help workers maintain optimal work performance and reduce the impact of fatigue.

The course is aimed at employers, safety managers, and workers across various industries. It serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding fatigue, its causes, and practical methods for managing it to enhance both worker well-being and workplace safety.