Why sleep is a work matter.
WHY IT BELONGS HERE
Fatigue causes errors and accidents, and it is frequently produced by work arrangements.
WHAT FATIGUE AFFECTS
Judgement and decision quality Reaction time Memory Attention Mood and tolerance
WHY IT IS DANGEROUS
The affected person does not perceive the impairment.
WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
Driving Operating machinery Work at height Anything where an error causes harm Decisions with consequences
WHAT WORK ARRANGEMENTS CAUSE IT
Long shifts Night work Rotating shifts Insufficient time between shifts Long commutes added to long hours Being contactable at all hours
WHY TIME BETWEEN SHIFTS MATTERS
Rest is what determines recovery, not total hours worked.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Minimum time between shifts, and adhere to it.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT NIGHT WORK
That it carries known health effects That rotation direction and speed matter That recovery time is provided
WHAT TO AVOID
Scheduling that prevents adequate sleep Calling people outside working hours routinely Expecting response at any hour
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Availability expectations prevent rest even when nobody calls.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Clear boundaries on contact outside working hours.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DRIVING
Establish limits on driving hours, particularly after a full working day.
WHY
Driving home tired after a long shift is a genuine and common danger.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Transport or accommodation, where shifts make travel unsafe.
WHAT TO RECOGNISE
That an exhausted person should not be working on anything critical.
