Guide to Fatigue Management: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Are you often finding yourself completely drained or excessively sleepy during the day? Chances are, you're grappling with fatigue. An all-too-common ailment in our bustling workplaces, fatigue can significantly hamper our safety, performance, and productivity.

What is Workplace Fatigue?

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Fatigue is a state of exhaustion that can result from a lack of sleep, prolonged mental activity, or extended periods of stress or anxiety. Within our work environment, a multitude of factors can contribute to fatigue:

• Work demands and mental tasks that require intense concentration
• Disrupted sleep due to shift work or long working hours
• Environmental factors, such as a noisy workspace or demanding climate
• Physical work factors, including heavy labour or use of vibrating tools
• Poor lifestyle choices, including dehydration, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and poor emotional well-being
• Other influencing factors like drugs, alcohol, medication, and non-work-related events

These factors can precipitate noticeable signs of fatigue, such as difficulty concentrating, short-term memory problems, mood swings, frequent errors, and reduced hand-eye coordination. It's crucial to understand and identify these symptoms early to mitigate their impact​​.

Strategies for Managing Fatigue

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Managing fatigue is essential for maintaining a safe and productive work environment. Here are some practical solutions that can help:

1. Rotate jobs periodically: With approval from supervisors, rotating jobs can keep the work environment fresh and engaging, reducing the monotony that can lead to fatigue.
2. Limit coffee and artificial stimulants: These substances can disrupt the body’s natural ability to stay alert and focused. Opt for natural energy boosters instead.
3. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated: Ensure a fair balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins in your meals, and drink plenty of water.
4. Prioritize sleep and work/life balance: Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per day and ensure you have adequate time to unwind and recharge for the next workday.
5. Exercise regularly: A simple stretch each morning before starting work can improve blood flow and oxygen supply, helping to ward off fatigue.

Remember, success starts with safety, and in this case, sleep! If you have any suggestions or improvements regarding health and safety on site, please feel free to email our Health and Safety Officer at dan@maxpeople.co.nz.

Wrapping Up

At Max People, we believe in creating a work environment that's not just productive, but also safe and healthy. Fatigue management is a critical aspect of this commitment. We encourage everyone to take these tips to heart, and together, we can create a fatigue-free workplace. For more insights on managing workplace fatigue, be sure to check out our in-depth post on Fatigue: The Silent Killer​.