Thinkstock
Fatigue
Fatigue
Fatigue
Fatigue
Fatigue

Sincerely Stefanie: Tired of the Same Old

March 5, 2019
The move to a better work-life balance can come with an effective fatigue risk management system.

America is tired.

Last month, I wrote about how safety technology should be used to combat fatigue in the workplace. However, that is only one slice of the fatigue risk management process.

The National Safety Council (NSC) is once again calling for employers to assess their programs, workplace environments and culture and to integrate fatigue-reducing measures into their data-driven safety systems. This couldn’t come at a better time.

America’s companies have been gracing headlines with what is being called “burnout culture.”

“Don’t stop when you’re tired; stop when you’re done,” proclaimed the carved cucumbers in a pitcher of water at WeWork, a company that provides shared technology workplaces.

Bring a productive, dedicated worker is admirable, but at what point does the individual begin to feel the effects?

The NSC reports that 90% of America’s employers have seen the impact of fatigue on its workers. The number of hours American workers have put in has steadily increased since the 70s.

While the United States does not top the number of hours worked per year when ranked globally, the laws that govern paid sick days and legally-mandated annual leave are non-existent.

What does this mean? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been a 400% increase in productivity among American workers since 1950, yet employees are just not taking time off, leading to burnout, fatigue and possibly more injuries.

In a nutshell, America’s adherence to a “Hustle Hard” culture is hurting its very own workers, and safety professionals should implement fatigue risk management systems to mitigate it.

An interruption of a worker’s Circadian cycle, or internal clock, increases the risk for safety incidents to occur. Take a look at night-shift workers who report 30% more incidents versus those who work the standard 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work day. The facts are clear: a tired mind is more likely to take shortcuts, make poor decisions and be less alert.

In addition, the NSC states that changes in a person’s sleep-wake cycle also could lead to health problems such as depression, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Campbell Institute states that an effective fatigue management policy includes limits on work hours as well as minimum requirements for off-duty and recovery rest periods, along with:

  • Regular review of overtime schedules;
  • Shared responsibilities for managing fatigue, such as
  • Communication from the organization and the employee assuming responsibility for arriving fit for duty;
  • Fatigue reporting system for employees;
  • Procedures to determine whether fatigue played a role in an incident;
  • Fatigue management training and education for employees and management;
  • Provision of sleep disorder information and management;
  • Continuous improvement process for managing fatigue risk.

Emily Whitcomb, NSC’s senior program manager for fatigue initiatives, said it perfectly: “In our 24/7 world, too many employees are running on empty. Employees are an organization’s greatest asset, and addressing fatigue in workplaces will help eliminate preventable deaths and injuries.”

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!