Research has shown that people who do shift work, especially heavy vehicle drivers, are six times more likely to be involved in a fatigue-related road crash or other accident at work. Fatigue is a very real workplace hazard that must be acknowledged. It must be managed to prevent injury and death.

Definition

Fatigue is a condition characterised by feeling unusually tired for no apparent reason, drained of energy or exhausted. The symptoms can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, low motivation and depression. Fatigue is a signal that something is wrong somewhere in the body and the body is slowing down in order to cope.

Causes

Many life and work factors can contribute to fatigue. Some of the main causes are:

Physical

    • Inadequate sleep (most adults need seven to eight hours)
    • Not enough time to sleep (extended working hours, irregular working hours, shift work, having more than one job)
    • Poor quality sleep (caused by workplace stress, sleep disorders)
    • Extended waking and long working hours
    • Shift work (upsets natural sleep rhythms)
    • Ageing (teenagers tend to sleep later, older workers sleep less).

Emotional

    • Burnout (wearing yourself out by trying to do too much)
    • Boredom (extreme uniformity or lack of interest in daily routines)
    • Change (facing a major life crisis, decision or change such as divorce or retirement)
    • Depression
    • Anxiety.

Symptoms or signs

Common signs and symptoms are:

    • Sleepiness
    • Irritability (more than usual)
    • Becoming less conversational or less clear in communication
    • Reduced attention span, being more easily distracted
    • Slower reactions, clumsiness, poorer hand-eye coordination, reduced manual skills
    • Slower thinking
    • Reduced short-term memory, forgetfulness
    • Inability to handle large amounts of information under time pressure, losing “the big picture”
    • Less creative problem solving
    • Cutting corners to get the job finished
    • Poor judgment of distance, speed or time
    • Increased risk-taking
    • Uncontrolled sleep.

Treatment

The effects of fatigue are sometimes of short duration and usually can be reversed by sleep and relaxation. Unfortunately fatigue can also be caused by many different factors working in combination, which makes diagnosis difficult.

Your doctor may diagnose fatigue using a number of examinations including:

    • Medical history – recent events such as childbirth, medication, surgery or bereavement may contribute to fatigue.
    • Physical examination – to check for signs of illness or disease. The doctor may also ask detailed questions about diet, lifestyle and life events.
    • Tests – such as blood tests, urine tests, x-rays and other investigations. The idea is to rule out any physical causes, for example anaemia, infection or hormonal problems.

The only real solution is to see your doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

 

Source

Fatigue in the workplace. 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.acc.co.nz/preventing-injuries/at-work/workplace-health-issues/PI00083

 

 

Revised by M van Os