Take a step back and think about your real priorities

23 December 2024

Many of us in the ACT are starting to think about holidays, time with family, or just a well-earned break. Although, for some workers, this time of year is synonymous with the holiday rush, pressure to meet deadlines and conflicting priorities.

WorkSafe ACT encourages everyone to step back from the deadlines and focus on their real priorities. Don’t let fatigue contribute to a workplace tragedy. Look after yourself, your colleagues and your loved ones.

Fatigue often arises from managing excessive workloads or deadlines or dealing with physically, emotionally, or cognitively demanding tasks. It affects both physical and mental performance, increasing the risk of accidents and errors. Fatigue can impair reaction times, decision-making, concentration, and communication, making even routine tasks more hazardous.

Duties to manage workplace fatigue

PCBUs have the primary duty to identify and manage fatigue risks. This includes implementing controls such as setting realistic workloads and deadlines, ensuring adequate rest breaks, avoiding excessive overtime, and providing additional support during peak periods.

Workers also have a role to play in managing fatigue risks. This includes taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others and cooperating with reasonable health and safety instructions. This might include following policies on secondary employment or informing the PCBU if they are feeling fatigued.

A worker’s responsibilities do not diminish a PCBU’s primary duty.

The community can also be a contributing factor to workplace fatigue

While some Canberrans are fortunate to take time off and recharge, many others work tirelessly to keep businesses and services operating smoothly. Pressure from clients and customers can contribute to increased stress and fatigue for workers. WorkSafe ACT asks the community to show patience, understanding, and be realistic during this busy time of year.

Further Information 

For more information regarding work-related fatigue:

WorkSafe ACT wishes everyone a happy holiday season and looks forward to a safe and happy 2025.

WorkSafe ACT

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