Fatigue is defined as a decreased capability to perform mental or physical work resulting from inadequate sleep, circadian disruption, or time on task. A failure to obtain sufficient sleep to return to work fit-for-duty is arguably no different to coming to work intoxicated. There is a greater risk of making a safety-critical error.
The ready2work HSE series is designed for all staff and will typically follow from the ready2start series. With a basic grounding from the associated courses in that range, we can now focus on specific hazards and more detail. Workers should complete these courses at the very start of their employment and most titles would need to be refreshed every one or two years based on workplace requirements to ensure they are updated with the latest protocols and practices.
Gain insights into the nature of fatigue, its impairment effects, and common signs and symptoms to identify and address fatigue-related risks effectively. Explore the causes and contributing factors to fatigue. Prioritising sleep, hydration, nutrition, and physical activity, as well as fatigue risk management practices in the workplace to mitigate fatigue-related errors.
Topics include: Fatigue: What is fatigue? - Fatigue impairment - Signs and symptoms of fatigue - Causes and contributing factors - Sleep - The body clock (circadian rhythm) - Consequences for health and wellbeing - Working shifts - Social time vs. sleep - Personal fatigue countermeasures - Getting the sleep you need - Staying hydrated - Use of caffeine - Alcohol and other drugs - Eating well - Physical activity - Fatigue risk management at work - Fatigue-related error and consequences for workplace safety.
