Workplace Fatigue: The Overlooked Safety Hazard

By Tyler Doupe'

Some workplace hazards get more attention than others. The OSHA Fatal Four, for instance, get plenty of recognition, and for good reason. Falls, struck-by hazards, electrocutions, and caught in/between injuries can quickly turn deadly. On that basis, each deserves the utmost reverence and prompt attention. We recognize that, which is why we’ve previously spoken to the Fatal Four right here on the OSHAcademy blog. But for today’s purposes, we are turning our attention to a largely overlooked hazard that can easily result in dire consequences on its own or in conjunction with any number of other workplace hazards. More specifically, we are setting our sights on the inherent dangers of workplace fatigue.

Extreme Fatigue Is Comparable to Alcohol Intoxication

At first glance, workplace fatigue might seem like a personal problem, but it absolutely isn’t. Here’s why: Tired employees are far more likely to make mistakes and typically have notably delayed reaction times compared to their well-rested counterparts. You don’t have to take my word for it, though. The research ultimately speaks for itself. The CDC reports that after 17 hours awake, the level of fatigue a person experiences is equivalent to the effects of a blood alcohol level of 0.5. After 24 hours of sleep deprivation, that number jumps to .10, which is past the point of legal intoxication in all 50 states.

So why, with that in mind, do organizations mandate lengthy shifts? Well, there are a few reasons. Longer shifts have certain advantages, like fewer handoffs, which is considered desirable in both the manufacturing and healthcare industries. Additionally, a smaller number of employees working longer days means fewer health insurance policy premiums for an employer to pay. In some cases, the overtime incurred is considered less costly than providing medical benefits to additional team members.

Minimize the Risk of Extended Shifts by Using the Following Best Practices

Given that long shifts are considered a nonnegotiable necessity for some organizations, we have a few tips that businesses (and employees) can implement to stay as safe as possible when long hours are required.

For starters, shifts should be capped at twelve hours whenever possible. Working more than twelve consecutive hours exponentially increases the risk of a fatigue-related incident.

In addition to capping workdays at or below twelve hours whenever possible, it’s also advisable to plan each shift strategically. For instance, schedule tasks that require a high level of concentration at the beginning of the workday when employees are fresh rather than at the end of a shift when mental resources are likely to be depleted.

Employers should also grant frequent restorative rest breaks and provide a quiet space where workers can take a power nap or meditate. Multiple short rest periods are far more effective than a lower number of longer breaks.  For best results, employees should consider using those rest periods to stretch and walk around. Doing so has multiple benefits, including, but not limited to, increased mental clarity and improved circulation.

Awareness is also key. Be sure to educate team members on the warning signs of fatigue and empower them to speak up without fear of retaliation. Reassigning or sending home a depleted employee is far less disruptive than dealing with the aftermath of a preventable workplace accident.

Our final recommendation is to allow ample downtime between long shifts. A period of at least eleven hours between workdays is always preferable to a fast turnaround. That allows time for a restful night’s sleep, commuting to and from work, and decompression after a taxing workday.

For even more important insight on staying safe on the job, take a look at OSHAcademy Course 601: Essentials of Occupational Safety and Health.