Fatigue toolbox talk

What it is

Tiredness from long hours, night work, driving or heavy work that slows reactions and leads to errors and incidents.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Plan rosters to limit long hours, consecutive night shifts and short breaks between shifts.
2. Schedule demanding or high-risk tasks for when workers are most alert, rather than at the end of long shifts.
3. Build in regular rest breaks, and rotate workers between heavy and lighter tasks.
4. Manage driving time, including travel to remote sites, and provide accommodation instead of long drives after shifts.
5. Follow heavy vehicle fatigue rules for drivers of regulated heavy vehicles, including work diaries where required.
6. Encourage workers to report fatigue without penalty, and stand down anyone too tired to work safely.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with fatigue:

• FatigueBodily injuries; ImpatienceFrom Hoarder Cleaning Plan
• Manual tasksManage fatigue and hose-handling strain with breaks and rotationFrom Bark Blower Truck
• Out-of-hours / night workManage fatigue, security and lone work at nightFrom Air Conditioning Service and Repairs
• Night workManage fatigue and give guards adequate breaks and amenities at nightFrom Security Guard - Construction
• PlanningConfirm worker competence and plan for confined spaces, fatigue and working aloneFrom Low Voltage Electrical Repairs and Installations

Questions for the crew

1. Where could fatigue come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Fatigue?
3. The most effective control is: “Plan rosters to limit long hours, consecutive night shifts and short breaks between shifts”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for fatigue are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of fatigue, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?