What OSHA says about fatigue

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

OSHA has no specific standard for worker fatigue and no general limit on work hours. The general duty to train still applies: in construction, the employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations that apply to their work environment. Treat working while overly tired as a hazard like any other, and know any fit-for-duty or scheduling rules your company has. (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2))