1. Fatigue Management for Construction Workers
Source : Peat Bakke
Construction workers, like other industry workers are prone to fatigue however the
consequences for construction workers may be greater than it would be for others. Construction
work involves a lot of hazardous work and dangerous equipment which if operated while
fatigued can result in serious injury or even death. For this reason fatigue management is
necessary to ensure worker safety.
Fatigue is defined as an acute and on-going state of tiredness leading to mental or physical
exhaustion. This exhaustion hampers the normal functioning of people and inhibits them from
performing at their optimal level.
Fatigue may be work-related, lifestyle-related or a combination of both and may include factors
like working hours, scheduling and planning, inadequate rest breaks, lengthy periods of time
being awake, insufficient recovery time between shifts, payment incentives that may lead to
working longer shifts, environmental conditions, work demands etc.
Some of the major impacts on a workers fatigue levels are inadequate sleep, family
responsibilities, health, nutrition and illness.
But how can fatigue be treated or managed? The only effective treatment is sleep. According to
researchers the brain requires sleep in order to recover and rejuvenate, without this rest you will
suffer mental and physical fatigue. The most beneficial sleep is a good night’s sleep taken in
one continuous period preferably between 7 to 8 hours daily. Good nutrition and exercise also
plays a role in overall health which affects fatigue management.
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