Managing Workplace Fatigue

Workplace fatigue numbers are on the rise again. In the ACT, between 2012 and 2021 eight people died due to malaise and fatigue.

WorkSafe ACT was notified of a workplace incident when a worker was injured by a forklift colliding into them in the unloading area. The worker involved had just finished a long haul driving shift when they entered a restricted area and were struck by a reversing forklift.

Fatigue was one of the major considerations in this case and the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) was sanctioned for not ensuring adequate control measures were implemented for their worker/s and others in the workplace.

This incident serves as a great reminder that under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, PCBUs have a duty to ensure that workers are not exposed to health and safety risks at work. Failure to do so will potentially result in regulatory action.

Fatigue Management  

Fatigue management is a shared responsibility between PCBUs and workers as it involves factors both inside and outside of work. However, PCBUs are responsible for using risk management approaches and adopting strategies to manage the risks of workplace fatigue.

Below are some key risks PCBUs should consider in their work design when managing fatigue in their workplaces:

  • Extended hours of work: Extended work hours can affect the amount of time available for adequate sleep opportunity. It is important to monitor the number of hours workers are doing each day.
  • Shiftwork: Shiftwork can be a contributing factor in work-related fatigue. Ensure the roster provides for a continuous 7 to 8 hours sleep in each 24 hours, and at least 50 hours sleep for every seven days. If on a rotating three shift roster system, forward rotation (day, afternoon to night shifts) is tolerated better.
  • Time of day: Minimise early morning starts before 6am as workers have less time to get adequate sleep – it is very difficult to go to sleep during the early evening (6–9pm) as our body clocks are set to alertness at that time.

For more examples to consider in managing workplace fatigue in your organisation, check out WorkSafe ACT’s work-related fatigue webpage.

WorkSafe ACT's Role  

WorkSafe ACT regulates the Work Health and Safety legislation. As the Regulator, we have a dedicated team of psychosocial Inspectors that:

  • Respond to worker complaints and secure compliance with legislation through regulatory actions.
  • Proactively engage with industry to provide direct advice and education and identify emerging trends.
  • Develop free educational and other supporting resources.

If you have a workplace concern, please call us on 13 22 81 Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Weekends & Public Holidays 9:00am - 4:30pm, or complete the Report a Workplace Concern or Issue form.

Further Information  

For more information check out our work-related fatigue webpage and the below resources.

To find out about other ways WorkSafe ACT is working with the Canberra community to improve work health and safety, follow WorkSafe ACT on LinkedIn.

On this page