Fatigue is a major workplace safety risk that can impact productivity, decision-making, and employee wellbeing. Small businesses, where employees often juggle multiple responsibilities, are particularly vulnerable to fatigue-related risks. Long hours, tight deadlines, and high workloads can lead to exhaustion, increasing the likelihood of errors and workplace incidents.
To maintain a safe and productive work environment, small business owners must proactively manage workplace fatigue. Here’s how.
1. Recognising the Signs of Fatigue
Fatigue is more than just feeling tired—it affects concentration, coordination, and reaction times.
Common signs of fatigue include:
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Slower reaction times
- Increased errors or near misses
- Poor communication or forgetfulness
- Irritability or mood changes
Failing to address fatigue can lead to accidents, decreased productivity, and employee burnout.
2. Setting Reasonable Work Hours
Small businesses often have demanding workloads, but excessive hours lead to diminishing returns.
Best practices for managing work hours:
- Avoid scheduling employees for excessively long shifts or back-to-back workdays.
- Ensure employees have at least 10-hour rest breaks between shifts.
- Encourage regular breaks throughout the workday, particularly for physically demanding or high-concentration tasks.
If long shifts are unavoidable, rotate tasks where possible to prevent prolonged exposure to repetitive or high-risk work.
3. Encouraging a Culture of Rest and Recovery
Fatigue management should be embedded in workplace culture. Employees must feel comfortable taking breaks without fear of repercussions.
Ways to support rest and recovery:
- Promote flexible work arrangements where possible.
- Provide break areas with comfortable seating and hydration stations.
- Encourage open conversations about fatigue, stress, and workload concerns.
Managers should lead by example by taking breaks themselves and reinforcing the importance of rest.
4. Managing Workload Distribution
Uneven workload distribution can lead to certain employees becoming overworked while others remain underutilised.
How to prevent workload fatigue:
- Regularly assess workloads and redistribute tasks where needed.
- Consider hiring additional staff or using temporary workers during peak periods.
- Set realistic deadlines and avoid last-minute demands.
If an employee frequently works long hours or skips breaks, investigate whether their workload is sustainable.
5. Improving Workplace Conditions
Workplace design can contribute to fatigue, particularly in physically demanding roles.
Strategies to reduce fatigue through better workplace conditions:
- Ensure proper lighting and ventilation to prevent drowsiness.
- Reduce excessive noise where possible.
- Provide ergonomic workstations to minimise physical strain.
6. Addressing Fatigue Risks for Remote and Shift Workers
Fatigue risks aren’t limited to physical labour. Office-based and remote employees can also experience exhaustion from long hours and mental strain.
Managing fatigue for remote and shift workers:
- Encourage structured work hours with clear start and finish times.
- Limit excessive after-hours communication to allow proper rest.
- Promote good sleep habits, such as reducing screen time before bed.
Shift workers should have rotating schedules that allow for adequate rest periods between shifts.
7. Educating Employees on Fatigue Management
Raising awareness about fatigue is key to prevention.
How to educate employees:
- Provide training on recognising fatigue and its impact on workplace safety.
- Share tips on healthy sleep habits, nutrition, and hydration.
- Conduct regular check-ins to ensure employees are managing their workload effectively.
Simple initiatives, like reminding employees to take breaks or stay hydrated, can make a significant difference.
Fatigue is a serious workplace issue that can lead to decreased performance, increased safety risks, and long-term health problems. Small businesses must take proactive steps to manage work hours, workload, and workplace conditions to prevent fatigue-related risks.
By promoting a culture of rest, ensuring reasonable scheduling, and educating employees on fatigue management, small business owners can create a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace.
If you would like to learn how ProcessWorx can help with Human Resources or Work Health & Safety, please contact us on 08 9316 9896, enquiries@processworx.com.au. Also watch an Introduction to ProcessWorx.
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