Fatigue is a serious workplace hazard, but it often goes unrecognized. When you are physically or mentally exhausted, your reaction time slows, your judgment suffers and your ability to spot hazards drops. Tasks you do every day can become dangerous when you are running on too little sleep or pushing through an extended shift. Understanding the signs of fatigue and how to manage it can protect you and the people working alongside you.
Signs of Fatigue
Watch for these warning signs of fatigue in yourself and your coworkers:
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- Trouble concentrating or staying focused
- Heavy eyelids or difficulty keeping eyes open
- Slower reaction time or delayed responses
- Yawning
- Zoning out or lapses in attention
- Increased mistakes, near misses or rework
- Poor judgment or risk-taking behavior
- Irritability or unusual mood change
- Clumsiness or reduced coordination
Safety Tips
The following actions can prevent workplace fatigue and help you stay alert and safe on the job:
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- Prioritize quality sleep. Most adults need seven to nine hours per night. Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on days off and rest in an environment that is conducive to sleep.
- Know the warning signs of fatigue. Yawning, difficulty focusing, slowed reactions, irritability and zoning out are signs that fatigue may be affecting your safety.
- Do not let routine tasks catch you off guard. Many fatigue-related incidents happen during familiar, everyday tasks because you are less alert when work feels automatic.
- Do not take shortcuts when you are tired. Fatigue makes it tempting to skip steps, rush through tasks or skip protective measures, all of which increase your risk of injury.
- Do not perform high-risk tasks when you are fatigued. Operating vehicles or equipment, working at heights, entering a confined space, handling hazardous materials or similar tasks demand your full attention and sharpest judgment. Fatigue makes these tasks significantly more dangerous.
- Pay attention to your diet and exercise habits. Eat a balanced diet, avoid heavy meals before and during your shift and exercise regularly.
- Limit stimulants. Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the hours before bed.
- Watch out for your coworkers. If someone you work with is showing signs of fatigue, speak up. You are all responsible for each other’s safety.
- Take your breaks seriously. Rest breaks exist to help you recover. Step away from your work area and give your mind a real rest.
- If you consistently feel tired despite getting enough sleep, talk to your health care provider. Underlying conditions like sleep apnea can affect how rested you feel and can be treated.
Know When to Speak Up
If you are too fatigued to work safely, speak up. Tell your supervisor right away. Staying silent puts you and your coworkers at risk. Reporting fatigue is not a weakness; it is how you look out for yourself and the people working beside you.
Article Published By: Zywave, Inc.
