• Healthcare

  Stress induced fatigue in the workplace

  Posted by Nigel on 1 June 2020 at 6:37 pm

  The coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of society including how we work. Healthcare, emergency services, carers and others providing essential services to the community worldwide have been stretched thin, many are working longer hours than usual, working more shifts which leaves less time to sleep and recharge the body.

  Under normal conditions, adults need around 7–9 hours of sleep per night, along with opportunities for rest while awake for the optimal health, and well-being. Long work hours and shift work, combined with stressful or physically demanding work, can lead to poor sleep and extreme fatigue. Fatigue increases the risk for injury and deteriorating health (infections, illnesses, and mental health disorders) and even fatalities.

  There is no one solution to fit everyone’s needs, but there are some general programs that workers and employers can use to manage workplace fatigue and work safely.

  Workers and employers need to use their stop work authority when they become too fatigued to work, with no sanctions from the employer for using that authority. Everyone needs to recognise these are stressful and uncertain times and you may need more sleep or time to recover.

  Know what to do if you feel too tired to work safely.

  • Use a buddy system while you’re at work. Check in with each other to ensure everyone is coping with work hours and demands.
  • Watch yourself and your coworkers for signs of fatigue — like yawning, difficulty keeping your eyes open, and difficulty concentrating. When you see something, say something to your coworkers so you can prevent workplace injuries and errors.
  • Find out if your employer has a formal program to help you manage fatigue on the job. Read information about the program and ask questions so you fully understand your employer’s policies and procedures for helping employees manage fatigue.
  • Report any fatigue-related events or close-calls to a manager to help prevent injuries and errors.
  • Do not work if your fatigue threatens the safety of yourself or others. Report to a manager when you feel too tired to work safely.

  

  Nigel replied 3 years, 11 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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