Workplace fatigue: New guide

WORKSAFE Victoria has released a new guide aimed at reducing workplace fatigue.
Offering practical advice, ‘Fatigue prevention in the workplace’ can be used by any employer and worker to reduce the risk of injury or death.
The guide includes a fatigue hazards identification checklist and a chart to help with risk assessments and can be used in any working environment.
WorkSafe executive director John Merritt said: “The risks that fatigue produces can result in catastrophic events.”
“Fatigue can lead to people not thinking clearly, making mistakes and taking shortcuts to get the job done,” he said.
He said understanding the dangers of fatigue and managing it can be the difference between someone going home at the end of the day, having a hospital stay or dying. To help reduce fatigue-related risks, the guide provides information on proper planning and scheduling of work, the need for well-organised rosters and the effects of night-work and environmental factors.
Provision of adequate resources (including human) and the the value of appropriate rest periods and breaks between shifts are also included.
The guide was developed with WorkCover NSW after extensive consultation with industry groups.
Copies of ‘Fatigue prevention in the workplace’ares available from WorkSafe offices, online at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or by calling the Advisory Service on 1800 136 089.