Safe Work Australia have launched a new Code of Practice called “Managing the Risk of Fatigue at Work”.
This new Code provides practical guidance to employers on how to manage this risk in their workplace. Employers are responsible for preventing work-related fatigue and for ensuring that fatigue does not create a risk in their workplace.
Fatigue is more than feeling tired – it is defined as a state of physical, mental or emotional impairment that can have health effects and prevent people from functioning safely.
Fatigue can come about from:
- working long hours
- high work demands with tight deadlines
- the performance of tasks requiring long periods of concentration
- working outdoors, especially in heat & humidity
- shift work & being “on call”
- lack of suitable or timely breaks
It is important to note that it is not only shift workers who can suffer from work-related fatigue.
In managing this risk, employers should ensure they consult with workers and design work in a way that eliminates or minimises this risk, as far as is reasonably practicable. In taking a risk managed approach, it is important to consider both physical and psychological safety.
Fatigue at work can contribute to other WHS risks and can lead to incidents and injuries. Examples of this could include incidents involving falls, accidents involving operation of machinery & equipment, manual handling strains and incidents from work-related driving.
So what are 3 key actions you can take to manage this risk in your workplace?
- Familiarise yourself with this new Code of Practice – it contains a fantastic range of industry-based case studies, real life scenarios and work-related examples
- Consult with workers to get their input and ideas. Pro-Tip: don’t forget to consult with other businesses where you have a shared duty such as if you engage labour hire or contractors
- Complete a risk assessment for your business to identify the hazards, understand the risks and how they could be controlled
If you want support with this or need advice on how to implement the new Code of Practice, reach out to us at The Mindful Risk Group to book a free 30 minute discovery call.
Have a great week,
Bron and the Team
