Fatigue is a critical risk factor on the road and is a major cause of accidents, alongside speeding and alcohol. Approximately 20% of fatal road accidents involve fatigue, and in rural areas, fatigue plays a role in 30% of severe single-vehicle crashes. Managing driver fatigue is complex, as its effects vary among individuals, and there's no straightforward metric to measure a driver's fatigue level. By fostering awareness and encouraging drivers to be mindful of their own condition, employers can take significant steps toward enhancing safety.

Safe work Australia's guidelines for managing fatigue

Safe Work Australia's Guide for Managing the Risk of Fatigue at Work provides a structured approach to mitigate fatigue-related risks. Key recommendations include:

• Managing shifts and work hours: Ensure workers have enough time to sleep between shifts to maintain alertness.
• Scheduling around body clocks: Avoid scheduling high-risk tasks during the body's natural low-energy periods, typically between 2am and 6am, and again from 2pm to 4pm.
• Discouraging long hours: Refrain from work arrangements that encourage excessive hours or incentivise extended shifts.
• Access to on-call staff: Have an on-call system in place to manage unplanned leave and emergency situations.
• Enforcing breaks: Ensure that policies mandate regular breaks for rest, meals, and hydration to help sustain alertness.

Recognising symptoms of fatigue

To effectively manage fatigue, employers and employees must recognise the warning signs. Some symptoms of fatigue include:

• Yawning and falling asleep on the job: Frequent yawning or nodding off can indicate exhaustion.
• Memory and concentration issues: Fatigue can cause lapses in memory and difficulty focusing on tasks.
• Decreased coordination and reflexes: Fatigued drivers may experience slower reflexes and reduced hand-eye coordination, increasing accident risk.
• Dizziness and blurred vision: These symptoms can impair perception and motor skills, making safe driving nearly impossible.

The effects of sleep deprivation on performance

Safe Work Australia equates the dangers of fatigue to alcohol impairment, with a sleepless night affecting individuals similarly to consuming alcohol. For instance, being awake for 17 hours has a similar impact as a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.05%, while 24 hours without sleep equates to a BAC of 0.1%—making an individual seven times more likely to have an accident.

A collaborative effort to combat fatigue

Both employees and employers must be vigilant in recognising and addressing fatigue. By following guidelines, fostering self-awareness among workers, and implementing policies that prioritise rest, organisations can significantly reduce fatigue-related risks and ensure a safer workplace for everyone.