Factors which can contribute to workplace fatigue 

• Long working hours: Working long hours is one of the biggest risk factors for workplace fatigue. 
• Shift work: Shift workers are more likely to experience fatigue than day workers. This is because their sleep-wake cycles are often disrupted. 
• Demanding work tasks: Some job tasks are more demanding than others and can lead to fatigue more quickly. For example, tasks that require high levels of concentration, physical exertion, or emotional engagement can be particularly tiring. 
• Poor working conditions: Poor working conditions, such as inadequate lighting, noise, or heat, can also contribute to fatigue. 
• Personal factors: Personal factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, and poor health, can also make you more susceptible to fatigue. 

The dangers of workplace fatigue  

• Accidents and injuries: Fatigue can impair your judgment and reaction time, which can increase your risk of having an accident or getting injured at work. 

• Workplace errors: Fatigue can also impair your ability to think clearly and make good decisions, which can increase the risk of workplace errors. 
• Reduced productivity: Fatigue can also reduce your productivity and performance at work. 
• Increased absenteeism: Fatigue can lead to increased absenteeism and sickness rates. 
• Long-term health problems: Chronic fatigue can also lead to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

How employers can manage workplace fatigue 

• Assess the risks of fatigue: Employers should conduct a risk assessment to identify the factors in their workplace that could contribute to fatigue. 
• Implement controls to reduce the risks: Employers should implement controls to reduce the risks of fatigue, such as: 
• Limiting working hours 
• Providing adequate breaks 
• Designing work tasks to minimise fatigue 
• Providing training on fatigue management 
• Promoting a healthy work environment 
• Monitor employees for signs of fatigue: Employers should monitor employees for signs of fatigue, such as drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and increased errors. 
• Provide support to employees who are experiencing fatigue: Employers should provide support to employees who are experiencing fatigue, such as allowing them to take breaks, delegating tasks, or providing counselling. 

How employees can manage workplace fatigue 

• Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for managing fatigue. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. 

• Take breaks throughout the day: Taking breaks throughout the day can help to reduce fatigue and improve alertness. Get up and move around or take a few minutes to relax and clear your head. 
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, and focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 
• Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to improve your sleep quality and reduce fatigue. Aim for at least thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week. 
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep and make you more susceptible to fatigue. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening and limit your alcohol intake. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a range of EHS topics, covering fatigue where relevant  
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates on a range of EHS topics, covering fatigue where relevant 
• Management system to document control the policy on fatigue at work 
• Method Statement module for the creation of working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on fatigue at work 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving employee fatigue, both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding employee fatigue in the workplace to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software