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Managing shift work to minimise workplace fatigue - A guide for employers

Department of Labour
November 2007

Overview of the guide

Part 1: About workplace fatigue

Part 1 defines fatigue, examines the causes of workplace fatigue, and explains how recovery happens. Then it presents and explains 12 key facts about workplace fatigue (previewed below), and highlights the implications of these facts for employers.

The key facts

  1. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining and restoring full physical and mental functioning, and is the only way of providing recovery from fatigue (especially for the brain).
  2. Stimulants, such as coffee, can provide only limited, short-term relief from the effects of fatigue.
  3. Fatigue leads to physical and mental impairment.
  4. Shift work (particularly night work) can be a significant contributor to fatigue.
  5. Human alertness and capability vary with the time of day.
  6. People are programmed to be awake during the day and asleep at night.
  7. The ability to fall asleep easily varies with the time of day.
  8. How much time people need to recover from fatigue depends on the time of day.
  9. Sleep loss is cumulative.
  10. Various strategies can minimise fatigue and promote better sleep.
  11. Preventing workplace fatigue requires cooperation and compromise.
  12. Various strategies are available for managing shift work to minimise fatigue.

Part 2: Managing workplace fatigue

Part 2 presents a general framework for managing shift work to minimise workplace fatigue. It also offers some strategies for small employers who may not have the resources to fully develop the framework.

Putting a shift work management system in place may seem daunting at first. Managing shift work can be complex-production requirements and workers' needs must be weighed against each other. However, much of the framework presented here is common sense, which all employers can and should put in place.

Employers and employees need to work together to decide on the best strategies, policies, and procedures for their particular work setting. Some give and take will be required on both sides.

Contributors

This guide for employers has been prepared by Department of Labour staff with expert advice from:

  • Philippa Gander, Director, Sleep Wake Research Centre, Massey University, Wellington
  • Adam Fletcher, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide
  • Warren Bolger, Logistics Manager, BP Oil, New Zealand
  • Howard Anderson, Operations Specialist, Airways New Zealand.

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