Fatigue, Impairment & Shift-work

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.

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.

Shiftwork - health effects
There is increasing evidence becoming available that shift work can lead to very serious consequences. Shift work can be described as any shift outside the...
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Shift-work and extended hours of work
Shift-work and extended hours working hours are increasing in many industries and organisations in Australia.  It is estimated that about 30 per cent of employees...
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Work-Life Balance
With hours of work generally on the increase, the issue of work-life balance is also becoming increasingly important. The concept of the standard eight hour...
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Working standing up
Standing is a natural human posture and by itself poses no particular health hazard. However, working in a standing position for long periods of time...
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Driving - maximum kms or hours?
There is no specific legislation in OHS legislation on this issue, and it's not possible to give a specific number of hours or kilometres that...
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The Eight Hour Day - where has it gone?
Australia, once recognised as the 'working man's paradise' for its Eight Hour Day achievement, now has amongst the highest working hours in the developed world....
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Alcohol and work
Alcohol is a significant part of Australian community life, and may also even be a part of working life; for example, drinking alcohol at lunchtime,...
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Workplace alcohol policies
Prevent workplace problems by having a workplace alcohol policy An article from the Australian Drug Foundation Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia....
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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. Below is a list of resources and...
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Rest/meal breaks - what am I entitled to?
Rest/meal breaks are mainly specified in awards or Enterprise Agreements - but not necessarily in individual agreements. But it's still an OHS issue. Page Overview...
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