In today’s busy world, many people choose to skip out on sleep in order to have more hours of productivity. Some employers even advance the philosophy that productivity is more important than sleep by giving extra praise, pay and promotions to people for logging extra hours. However, failing to make adequate sleep a priority is taking its toll on U.S. workers. Although workers in certain industries are at an increased risk of suffering from fatigue, workplace fatigue can lead to serious dangers for any worker.
Information on Adequate Sleep
The National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine explain that adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, data from a national survey shows that approximately 30% of U.S. workers get less than six hours of sleep per night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that workers in certain industries were more likely to suffer from fatigue, including:
- Health care and social assistance
- Warehouse and transportation
- Manufacturing
- Night shift workers in all industries
Common Causes of Workplace Fatigue
There are many underlying reasons for workplace fatigue. Many are rooted in personal circumstances such as child care, elder care, people choosing not to get enough sleep or certain medical issues like sleep disorders. However, certain work conditions can exacerbate the problem, such as:
Shift Work
The time that people work can impact their level of fatigue. Numerous studies have found that night shift workers tend to get significantly less sleep than people who work other shifts. Additionally, people are generally biologically wired to be active during the day and sleep at night, so night work may disrupt their natural body chemistry. Moreover, late shift workers are expected to sleep during the daytime when traffic, construction and other noises may prevent this sleep since these activities occur during the day.
In a study by Liberty Mutual published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, it was found that workers who had afternoon shifts had a 15.2% higher chance of being injured at work while night workers had a nearly 28% higher chance of injury when compared to daytime workers.
Extended Work Hours
The Liberty Mutual study also found that injury rates increase as the length of a worker’s shift also increased. For example, people who worked 10 hours instead of a typical 8-hour day were 13% more likely to be injured while individuals who worked 12 hours were 27.5% more likely to be injured on the job.
Workplace Stress
While physically demanding jobs are more likely to make workers feel more fatigued, mental work can also exhaust workers. Workplace stress can make injuries on the job more likely, as well as increase the possibility of workers developing chronic diseases.
Symptoms of Workplace Fatigue
Common symptoms of workplace fatigue include:
- Repeated yawning
- Difficulty focusing with your eyes and mentally
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Increased likelihood of dropping things
- Stumbling and decline in balance
- Impaired memory
- Impaired concentration
- Difficulty processing complex data
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Susceptibility to distraction
- Loss of muscle coordination
Experts report that many workers do not recognize the signs of fatigue. Noticing these signs can help you recognize the danger of fatigue so that you can take corrective action.
Dangers Associated with Fatigue
Healthcare experts do not underestimate the importance of a good night’s rest. Sleep plays a critical role in a person’s ability to function mentally and physically. Dangers associated with fatigue include:
- Lack of attentiveness
- Errors in decision-making
Estimates are that one in ten workplace injuries are associated with insufficient sleep. Additionally, more than 20% of fatal car accidents are blamed on a drowsy driver. Additionally, fatigue is associated with many of the signs of impairment caused by alcohol.
The long-term effects of ongoing fatigue include the development of several serious and chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Ongoing fatigue also brings about early mortality.
Employers’ Legal Responsibility to Fatigued Workers
Employers in the United States are required to provide safe workplaces for their employees. They must implement strategies to monitor and limit worker exposures to potential hazards in the workplace and comply with the guidelines established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
In some states, labor laws limit the number of hours that people can work. Minimum rest periods may also be in place.
In addition to the legal requirement of complying with workplace safety standards, employers are incentivized to prioritize adequate rest due to the high cost associated with fatigue. Performance and productivity often decline because of fatigue. Workplace fatigue can result in the following negative consequences:
- Higher levels of absenteeism
- More workplace accidents
- More mistakes that impede productivity in the workplace
- Decrease in productivity
- Increase in the amount of time necessary to complete workplace tasks
- Increased number of workers’ compensation claims
Ways that Night Shift Workers Can Combat Workplace Fatigue
Since night shift workers are at an increased risk of suffering workplace fatigue, it is important that they take actionable steps to combat this epidemic. Some strategies to maximize rest include:
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking and drinking
- Avoid caffeine late in your shift
- Stick to a sleep schedule
- Turn off electronics before going to sleep
- Use black out curtains and keep your sleep area dark, quiet and comfortable
- Take naps if possible
- Discuss your sleep schedule with others who may try to contact you during your sleep time
- Turn off electronics while you sleep
Possible Employment Solutions to Combat Workplace Fatigue
Employers are well-positioned to enact changes that will minimize workplace fatigue and the negative consequences associated with it. Some strategies may include:
Provide Employee Education
It is important that employers explain the importance of sleep to their workers, along with the possible hazards and health risks of inadequate sleep.
Screen Employees for Sleep Disorders
Employers can also implement programs that screen employees for sleep disorders.
Make Changes to Workplace Schedules
One significant change that employers can do to combat workplace fatigue is by adjusting schedules. Limiting late shifts and overtime hours can help decrease employee fatigue. Some strategies
- If long shifts are necessary, provide more breaks
- Provide shorter nighttime shifts
- Minimize overtime hours
- Avoid consecutive night shifts
- Schedule demanding tasks for when workers are most alert
- Provide enough time in between shifts
- Provide flexible schedules if possible
Minimize Environmental Stressors
Employers may be able to reduce environmental stressors and make the workplace more comfortable by doing the following:
- Provide adequate lighting
- Maintain a comfortable temperature
- Reduce noise
- Provide breaks
Implement a Fatigue Risk Management System
Employers can establish a fatigue risk management system that identifies particular risks in the workplace and proactively manages them. This program can even be coordinated with other aspects of the workplace, such as the workplace safety program.
Legal Assistance for Fatigued Workers
If workplace fatigue contributed to an accident at work, injured workers may be able to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. A successful claim can result in payment for your medical expenses, partial wage replacement and possibly vocational benefits if you are unable to return to your line of work. A workers’ compensation lawyer can discuss your legal options during a free consultation.
