Social distancing, school closures, quarantines, working-from-home, and job losses due to COVID-19 can lead to increased anxiety and worry, depression and isolation and stress-related fatigue.
A pandemic, such as COVID-19, can bring profound changes to normal routines. According to the Sleep Foundation, this has a domino effect on all aspects of our lives. Social distancing, school closures, quarantines, working-from-home, job losses. These changes can lead to increased anxiety and worry, depression and isolation and stress-related fatigue.
Fatigue can be physical and it can be mental. It’s important to touch base with workers and observe signs of fatigue. Safe Work Australia notes the following as signs of fatigue:
Fatigue may increase the risk of incidents because of a lack of alertness. Safe Work Australia notes that fatigue may result in a slower reaction to signals or situations and affect the ability to make good decisions, particularly when:
The Sleep Health Foundation says that sleep can help us fight off infection. Sleep is involved in the regulation of immune cells, that is cells that fight off infection. People who are sleep deprived have an increased risk of contracting a virus when exposed to it.
It’s the responsibility of employers to ensure the health and safety of workers while they are at work.
Safe Work Australia has put together a comprehensive guide on minimising the risk associated with fatigue in the workplace, which you can access here.
If you would like assistance monitoring the health and wellbeing of your workforce, our virtual services are a great way to reach your staff and identify potential fatigue-related risks.
You can also speak to your Workplace Health Provider if you have any concerns. They will offer advice and can suggest solutions to address any fatigue related issues in your workplace.
You may also like to download and print our posters which have tips on managing fatigue and lack of sleep. Place these in a common area where your workers can see them.