If workers are fatigued their work performance is impaired - and there are many factors that contribute to fatigue - such as hours of work, including extended hours of work and overtime, shift work and the intensity of work.
Fatigue is one of the priority areas identified by Chris Maxwell during the review of the OHS Act as one of the psychosocial hazards that must be addressed by Victorian OHS legislation. The others include bullying and work-related stress.
Alcohol and drugs can also contribute to impairment - and if this is an issue at the workplace it is important that workers, together with their OHS reps and unions, are involved in the development of a strategy.