WorkSafe Victoria have released a new guide aimed at reducing workplace fatigue.
Offering practical advice, ‘Fatigue prevention in the workplace’ can be used by any employer and worker to reduce the risk of injury or death.
The guide includes a fatigue hazards identification checklist and a chart to help with risk assessments and can be used in any working environment.
According to WorkSafe Victoria’s Executive Director, John Merritt, the risks that fatigue produces can result in catastrophic events as they can lead to people not thinking clearly, making mistakes and taking shortcuts to get the job done.
He stresses the importance of understanding the dangers of fatigue and managing it can be the difference between someone going home at the end of the day, a hospital stay or dying.
To help reduce fatigue-related risks, the guide provides information on the following:
- Proper planning and scheduling of work
- The need for well-organised rosters
- The effects of night-work and environmental factors
- Provision of adequate resources (including human)
- The value of appropriate rest periods and breaks between shifts
The guide was developed with WorkCover NSW after extensive consultation with industry groups.