The Hidden Danger of Fatigue

Fatigue reduces alertness, slows reaction time, and increases the likelihood of errors and accidents. In high risk environments like construction and industrial worksites, managing fatigue is as important as wearing PPE or using proper equipment.

Common Causes of Fatigue

• Long working hours or back-to-back shifts.
• Inadequate sleep (less than 7 hours per night).
• Poor nutrition or hydration during the day.
• Stress, anxiety, or health conditions.
• Monotonous tasks or extreme physical labour.

Signs of Fatigue on the Job

• Yawning, heavy eyes, or inability to focus.
• Memory lapses or missed steps in a task.
• Irritability or reduced motivation.
• Slower reaction time or poor coordination.
• Near misses or increased risk-taking behaviour.

Fatigue Prevention Strategies

• Take regular breaks at least 15 minutes every 2 hours.
• Drink water and eat nutritious snacks throughout the day.
• Report excessive fatigue to your supervisor immediately.
• Get 7–9 hours of sleep every night, especially before long shifts.
• Adjust workloads when workers are recovering from illness or stress.