Fatigue. It’s not a new concept in the workplace, especially for shift workers. But in this current climate, factors contributing to fatigue are heightened.
Moods can be affected. Easy tasks can become difficult. At its worst, fatigue can lead to serious workplace injuries.
It’s really important that managers and supervisors check in with workers, and make sure they are getting enough rest. It is equally important to provide them with tactics to improve their sleep, and ensure they stay safe.
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.
Why is fatigue heightened during a pandemic?
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.
How will you know if your workers are being affected by 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:
- reduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexes
- short term memory problems and an inability to concentrate
- blurred vision or impaired visual perception
- tiredness even after sleep
- a need for extended sleep during days off work.
Why is managing fatigue so important?
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:
- operating fixed or mobile plant including driving vehicles
- undertaking critical tasks that require a high level of concentration
- undertaking night or shift work when a person would ordinarily be sleeping.
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.
How can you ensure workers are managing fatigue?
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.
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 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.
More sleep and fatigue resources
