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Fatigue, Impairment and Shift-work: More info

There are a number of publications you can refer to for more information on fatigue, impairment and shiftwork:

ACTU Fact sheet: Hours and Fatigue [pdf]

From WorkSafe Victoria:

Several of the other Australian OHS Authorities have very useful and practical publications:

  • From WorkSafe WA: 
    • A Code of Practice on Working Hours [pdf] (2006) which promotes a holistic approach to identifying the hazards and assessing the risks of extended working hours.  The code also incorporates Working hours risk management guidelines 
    • a downloadable 'risk management poster' [pdf] which is useful.
    • Guidance Note on reducing fatigue in the workplace [ link currently not functioning]: a 16 page guidance note which provides people at workplaces with information on reducing the risks from fatigue including a discussion of the causes of fatigue, risk factors and how to assess them, and a strategy for the workplace. The guidance note explains the causes of workplace fatigue and the effects of fatigue on workers along with a simple checklist.

  • From the ASCC, two research reports
    • Work-related Fatigue - Summary of recent regulatory developments [pdf 281kB]
    • Work-related Fatigue - Summary of recent indicative research 2006 [pdf 140kB]

  • From Workplace Health and Safety Queensland: Fatigue Management Guide [pdf] This guide provides information on causes of fatigue, and advice on shiftwork, extended working hours and roster designs.  

  • From the UK's Health and Safety Executive Fatigue and Risk Index Tool, to compare alternative patterns and help identify whether any particular aspect of an existing or proposed working time pattern is likely to increase the risk of fatigue.

  • Shiftwork The UK Train drivers' union ASLEF has made its authoritative Shift-work, lifestyle and health guide [pdf] available to us for our readers. The 32 page guide is thoroughly referenced and is intended 'to assist both the union’s elected representatives and its members in coping with shift-work and the long hours culture in Britain’s railways. The guide is a useful resource for anyone concerned about shift-work and long hours, whatever their industry.  The document can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

  • Centre for Sleep Research (CFSR)
    The CFSR is an Australian leader in sleep and shiftwork research, and is based at the University of South Australia. Dr Drew Dawson, well known for his research into sleep and fatigue, is the director of the Centre.

  • From South Australia: Computer Use: Safe Work Practices [pdf]- Advice about reducing discomfort and fatigue associated with working on computers is provided (link currently incorrect)

Driving and fatigue

  • The NSW Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Long Distance Truck Driver Fatigue) Regulation 2005, took effect on 1 March 2006.  The Regulation requires employers of drivers and head carriers, undertaking this type of work, to ensure that the risk of harm arising from truck driver fatigue is either eliminated or appropriately managed. They also need to develop and implement Driver Fatigue Management Plans (DFMPs) in consultation with their affected employees/drivers. More information

    NSW WorkCover has published a range of practical guidance materials for long distance truck driver fatigue on the transport and storage section of its website.

Shiftwork

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