Plan long shifts and hard work

The hazard

A tired worker reacts slower, misses hazards and makes more mistakes, often without noticing. Fatigue builds up from long shifts, night work, heat, hard physical work, stress and too many short nights in a row. Around equipment, heights or traffic, one slow reaction can be enough to get someone hurt.

The action

Schedule the hardest and most dangerous tasks for when people are most alert, not at the end of a long shift. Take your breaks, drink water and eat real food. Rotate heavy or repetitive tasks, and be extra careful after several long days or night shifts in a row. In winter, short days and less daylight can leave some people feeling more tired, so watch for it in yourself and your crew.