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Poor job performance can be related to something that may have little to do with work: Fatigue. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), sleep deprivation is a widespread problem in America.
Inadequate sleep can lead to making mistakes, being impatient, not getting along with others and can make a person more prone to unsafe behavior. Employers can confront the problem by letting their workers know about the hazards of sleep deprivation and what they can do to prevent it.
OSHA does not have regulations on fatigue, but recognizes the hazards of fatigue and extended work hours. Irregular and extended shifts are common among healthcare providers, transportation workers, first responders, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, construction workers, oil field workers, service and hospitality workers and many others.
Long work hours and irregular work shifts are common. Many American workers spend over 40 hours a week at work and millions work full time on evening, night, rotating or other irregular shifts. Work schedules like these may cause worker fatigue.
Shift workers may be scheduled to work days, evenings, nights and/or on a rotating or on-call basis. They may work extended shifts (more than 8 hours long), rotating or irregular shifts, or consecutive shifts resulting in more than the typical 40-hour work week. Long work hours may increase the risk of injuries and accidents and can contribute to poor health and worker fatigue. Studies show that long work hours can result in increased levels of stress, poor eating habits, lack of physical activity and illness.
Several factors contribute to fatigue, including too little, poor quality, or interrupted sleep over a period of time. Long work hours and extended and irregular shifts may be stressful physically, mentally, and emotionally. The body is naturally programmed for sleeping during night hours. Demanding work schedules may disrupt the body’s natural cycle, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and lack of concentration.
Employers can reduce the risk of worker fatigue in the workplace by:
Workers can promote restful, healthy sleep by following sleep hygiene recommendations. Here are some suggestions:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers should recognize these warning signs of drowsy driving: