Fatigue

General fatigue is an overall sensation of weariness accompanied by feelings of lethargy and a disinclination for any kind of activity. This should be distinguished from muscular fatigue which typically results from repeated movement or actions.
There are many causes of general fatigue, which can be classified under 4 headings:

• Work Demands – such as the duration of work, type of work and workload
• Organisational Factors – such as the predictability of work and scheduling of work
• Biological Factors – such as an individual’s health, age and sleep patterns
• Life Away from Work – such as issues with family and friends and commuting to and from work

Environmental factors also play an important role in inducing fatigue. For example weather conditions, heat, noise and vibration.

The symptoms of fatigue include:

• feelings of weariness, somnolence, faintness and a distaste for work
• sluggish thinking, lack of concentration and temporary memory loss
• reduced alertness
• poor and slow perception
• unwillingness to work
• a decline in physical and mental performance

It is not difficult to see why fatigue is a major health and safety concern. Some industries are more susceptible than others, with long distance transport (truck driving) a prime example. In that industry governments have regulated to attempt to reduce the incidence of general fatigue as part of a broader road safety campaign.

Safety@Work provides you with the specific information you need to assess the level of fatigue in your workplace, and with strategies, tools and plans that can be applied to combat fatigue when it is found to exist.