Worker fatigue has become more prevalent across industries, and it can be particularly dangerous in industries such as manufacturing where workers are in contact with equipment.
In fact, a found that 97 percent of workers have at least one workplace fatigue risk factor, and more than 80 percent have two or more risk factors – increasing the likelihood of injuries on the job.
It’s important to watch for the signs of fatigue within your workforce, which can include:
- Loss of appetite, muscle pain, anxiety, headaches
- Reduced reaction times due to drowsiness
- Dozing off at the worksite, shortened attention spans
To combat fatigue in workers, businesses can implement a Fatigue Risk Management Plan:
- Develop a process to relieve a worker from duties if fatigued
- Rotate workers through repetitive or strenuous manufacturing tasks
- Schedule work in shorter shifts, capping shifts at 12 hours when possible
- Create an environment where workers feel comfortable reporting fatigue
- Provide sufficient off-duty time for workers to obtain adequate rest
For more ways to prevent worker fatigue, visit .
