6 Common Signs of Work-Related Fatigue

Do you know the signs of work-related fatigue? According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), injury rates are 18% higher during evening shifts when compared to daytime shifts. Many workers who work evening shifts don't get enough sleep, so they experience fatigue. Here are six common signs of work-related fatigue.

#1) Slower Reaction Times

Work-related fatigue can affect your reaction times. It will time you longer to react when you are fatigued. This is why it's dangerous to operate vehicles or machinery when fatigued. The slower response times can result in accidents.

#2) Impaired Memory

Impaired memory is a common sign of work-related fatigue. As you become more and more fatigued, you may struggle to remember things. Memory is a cognitive function, and work-related fatigue can adversely affect many cognitive functions, one of which being memory.

#3) Stress

If you're feeling more stressed than usual, you may be suffering from work-related fatigue. Stress is the result of increased hormone levels. There are stress hormones, such as cortisol, that your body produces naturally. Your body will produce more of these hormones when you feel fatigued. Higher levels of stress hormones can lead to chronic stress.

#4) Sleep Problems

There's a correlation between work-related fatigue and sleep problems. Many workers who suffer from work-related fatigue also have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also have disrupted sleep patterns, such as insomnia or waking up feeling unrefreshed. Chronic sleep deprivation due to work-related fatigue can have long-term consequences of which all workers need to be aware.

#5) Lack of Energy

One of the most common signs of work-related fatigue is lack of energy. Fatigue, of course, is characterized by low energy levels. When you feel fatigued, you may not have the energy to perform certain tasks. This lack of energy is your body's way of telling you that it needs to rest. And until you rest, you will continue to feel fatigued and with little or no energy.

#6) Low Productivity

Another common sign of work-related fatigue is low productivity. Workers who suffer from work-related fatigue are often less productive than their rested and non-fatigued counterparts. They are able to perform tasks faster and more efficiently, making them more productive.

In Conclusion

You can't ignore work-related fatigue. As fatigue begins to set in, it can affect your body in different ways. You may have slower reactions, more stress, experience sleep problems, a lack of energy or low productivity.