What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of physical and/or mental exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively. Fatigue impacts alertness, decision-making, coordination, and reaction times. It can pose serious risks in the workplace if not recognised.
Why Does Fatigue Matter at Work?
- Increases the risk of workplace accidents and injuries
- Reduces productivity and work quality
- Contributes to long-term health problems
- Impacts morale and workplace culture
Common Workplace Causes of Fatigue
- Long shifts and excessive overtime
- Irregular or rotating shifts
- Night work disrupting natural sleep patterns
- High workloads or understaffing
- Monotonous or physically demanding tasks
- Lack of breaks or rest periods
- Workplace stress or unsafe conditions
Recognising Signs of Fatigue on the Job
- Slower reaction times
- Poor concentration and memory
- Increased error rates
- Irritability and low mood
- Microsleeps (brief moments of sleep while awake)
- Frequent yawning or drifting off
Employer Responsibilities
Under workplace health and safety laws, employers have a duty of care to manage fatigue risks by:
- Designing safe shift patterns and limiting overtime
- Ensuring adequate rest breaks and recovery time
- Assessing fatigue risks as part of regular hazard identification
- Encouraging reporting of fatigue without fear of punishment
- Supporting a healthy work environment
How Trade Unions Can Support Members
- Advocate for safe staffing levels and realistic workloads
- Push for strong fatigue risk management policies
- Promote fair and predictable scheduling of shifts/ workload
- Support members in reporting fatigue without stigma
- Provide training and awareness campaigns
- Monitor employer compliance with safety laws
Tips for Workers to Manage Fatigue
- Prioritise sleep: Aim for regular hours of sleep when off shift
- Take scheduled breaks, don’t work through them
- Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before sleep
- Use your voice and report fatigue to your supervisor or delegate
- Know your rights around working hours and breaks
Know Your Rights
The WEU is here to help and advise you if:
- You’re being pushed to work unsafely
- You’re penalised for reporting fatigue
- You need support negotiating safer work schedules
Stephen Morris, General Secretary, Workers of England Union said “Fatigue is a workplace hazard, not a personal failure. Employers must manage it like any other safety risk. Please remember that the WEU is ready to give advice and support when needed, all you need to do is call the our office.”