Preventing Fatigue-Related Incidents

• Reduced attention and slower reaction time
• Poor decision-making during high-risk tasks
• Increased risk while driving or operating equipment
• Mistakes during repetitive or routine work
• Fatigue worsened by heat, stress, illness, or long shifts
• Workers failing to report when they are too tired to work safely

Fatigue can affect safety even when a worker is experienced and trying to do the job correctly. Tired workers may react slower, miss hazards, make poor decisions, or lose focus during routine tasks.

Fatigue can come from lack of sleep, long shifts, overtime, night work, emergency response, heat exposure, stress, illness, medication, or physically demanding work. It can build gradually during the day or across several shifts.

Common signs of fatigue include heavy eyes, yawning, slower movement, irritability, forgetfulness, poor concentration, drifting while driving, and making mistakes that normally would not happen.

Fatigue is especially dangerous during driving, equipment operation, electrical work, confined space work, lifting, traffic control, and tasks requiring precise communication or quick reaction.

Workers should report fatigue before it becomes a serious hazard. Speaking up early gives the crew a chance to rotate tasks, take a break, slow the pace, or reassess the work plan.

Supervisors and coworkers should watch for signs that someone is too tired to work safely. A fatigued worker may not recognize how impaired they are.

Breaks, hydration, food, task rotation, planning heavy work earlier, and allowing recovery time can all help reduce fatigue risk. Caffeine may help temporarily, but it does not replace sleep or rest.

Preventing fatigue-related incidents requires honesty. Pushing through may feel productive in the moment, but it can lead to injuries, vehicle crashes, equipment damage, or costly mistakes.

• Recognize fatigue before it affects safety.
• Report when you are too tired to work or drive safely.
• Use breaks, hydration, food, and task rotation when needed.
• Watch coworkers for signs of fatigue.
• Use extra caution during driving and equipment operation.
• Avoid rushing when tired.
• Plan long or difficult work with fatigue in mind.

• What parts of today’s work could be affected by fatigue?
• Are workers coming off long hours, poor sleep, or stressful conditions?
• Is anyone showing signs of reduced focus or slower reaction time?
• Can tasks be rotated or breaks added to reduce fatigue?
• How should workers report fatigue concerns?