Work-Related Fatigue

Do you frequently feel tired at work? While some people may brush it off as a non-serious issue, work-related fatigue can lead to serious injury or even death. When a worker is fatigued, his or her reaction times are significantly delayed. In industries such as construction, this places both the worker and others around them in danger. To learn more about the dangers of work-related fatigue, keep reading.

Our bodies have a built-in clock that regulates our day-and-night routine. Dubbed the circadian clock, it's responsible for giving us energy during the day and making us sleepy at night. Normally, it performs this operation without conflict. However, there are times when a worker's circadian clock is thrown off balance, resulting in daytime fatigue.

It should come as no surprise that one of the most common causes of work-related fatigue is lack of sleep. We live in an age where many workers struggle to get the recommended 7-8 hours of shut eye per night. Over the course of a week, not getting enough sleep can take a toll on a worker, both physically and mentally.

According to a study conducted by the Alberta Human Resources and Employment, fatigue caused by lack of sleep is the equivalent of being under the influence of alcohol. More specifically, the study found that staying awake for 21 consecutive hours was the equivalent of a BAC of 0.08, and staying awake for a full day (24 hours) was the equivalent of a .10 BAC. That's a pretty shocking statement that should attest to the fatigue-inducing power of lack of sleep.

Signs of fatigue may include one or more of the following:

• Low energy levels
• Irritability and/or mood changes
• Suppressed appetite
• Trouble staying awake

Now for the million dollar question: how can workers prevent fatigue? The first step in warding off fatigue is to get plenty of sleep at night. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends adults get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep, try removing all distractions from your bedroom. This includes the radio, television, and street lights shining through the windows. Sleep experts say you'll fall asleep easier in a dark, quiet environment.

Of course, employers should also take steps to reduce work-related fatigue. This includes implementing mandatory breaks, observing workers for signs of fatigue, and educating workers on the dangers of fatigue.