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A recent incident in Queensland, Australia highlights the need for Fatigue Management processes, where an operator struck the vehicle in front when she feel asleep at the wheel of her dumptruck.
Click here to access the alert
Thanks to @MiningalertsQLD for sharing the information on twitter As the alert states companies should possess fatigue management processes, how many companies in the UK possess this and manage it effectively? Below are are a few suggestions for making up a Fatigue Management Process Managers and supervisors should consider:-
- Applying risk management in consultation with staff.
- Ensuring systems of work that minimise the risk of fatigue—for example, reasonable shift patterns, reasonable overtime practices, and adequate recuperation between shifts.
- Providing opportunities for employees to obtain adequate rest from work.
- Monitoring workloads, work patterns and shift arrangements to ensure employees are not placed at risk from fatigue.
- Consulting with employees when introducing shift work or new shift systems.
- Providing information, instruction and training about risks to health, safety or welfare of employees involved with shift work, extended hours and on-call arrangements.
- Ensuring employees performing shift work are properly supervised and that tasks are undertaken safely.
- Referring employees with non-work fatigue related issues to the Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Employees should be encouraged to assist in the following:
- Participating in risk management processes.
- Using time off from work to recuperate in order to be fit and able for the next shift.
- Participating in education and training in order to gain an understanding of fatigue.
- Avoiding behaviours and practices that contribute to fatigue, and which could place themselves and others at risk—for example, secondary employment, or not using time off work to recuperate.
- Recognising signs of fatigue that could place health, safety and well-being of themselves or others at risk and reporting this to their manager or supervisor.