Fatigue is a significant concern in the construction industry, where long hours and physically demanding tasks are part and parcel of the job. Addressing fatigue management is crucial for maintaining the safety of your workers, as well as productivity. This article will explore the dangers of fatigue in construction, provide strategies for building a culture of fatigue management and give you practical tips on employee fatigue management at your site.

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of extreme tiredness – either mentally or physically. In the construction industry, it’s particularly concerning due to the nature of the work which can involve long hours, strenuous activities and high levels of physical and mental stress.

The dangers of worker fatigue in construction

Worker fatigue can have huge consequences in the construction industry. According to statistics from Vitality’s latest workplace wellbeing survey – Britain’s Healthiest Workplace – 44% of the construction workforce reported feeling fatigued or very tired at least once every week. Fatigue can affect alertness, focus and decision-making abilities which could lead to a higher risk of accidents and injuries on a job site.

Examples of fatigue-related incidents

  • Operating heavy machinery – fatigued workers might struggle to maintain control, leading to accidents like collisions or equipment malfunctions. Reduced focus could result in bad handling of machinery, putting both the operator and nearby workers at risk.
  • Missed safety hazards – due to decreased alertness, fatigued workers might overlook safety hazards such as uneven surfaces, exposed wires or unstable structures.
  • Slips, trips and falls – fatigue increases the likelihood of slips, trips and falls, as tired workers are less physically coordinated and could lose their balance. These incidents can result in serious injuries, particularly in construction environments where heights and hazardous materials are common. You can enrol your staff on a slips, trips and falls e-learning course with HS Direct. 

Building a culture of fatigue management

Proactive measures to prevent fatigue are essential for creating a safe and productive work environment. Employers need to prioritise fatigue management and implement strategies to reduce the effects of fatigue before incidents happen.

Employer responsibilities

Developing a comprehensive fatigue management plan is crucial for employers, and it should include policies and procedures to address fatigue and make sure workers have enough rest and recovery time.

  • Consider how to design work schedules that allow for sufficient rest breaks, particularly during long shifts or periods of high demand. Regular breaks help prevent fatigue from building up and give workers time to recharge.
  • Night shifts and extended working hours are major contributors to fatigue, so you should try and minimise these shifts where possible and make sure workers have enough time off between shifts to rest and recover.
  • Rotate tasks to reduce mental and physical strain on workers, preventing fatigue from setting in. By varying tasks, workers use different muscle groups and skills, reducing the risk of overuse and exhaustion.

Employee education and support

Educating employees about the signs and dangers of fatigue is essential for proper fatigue management. Workers should be trained so they can recognise when they’re fatigued and understand the importance of taking steps to reduce its effects.

Common signs of fatigue could include excessive yawning, difficulty concentrating and slower reaction times, and training should emphasise the importance of reporting fatigue and taking breaks when needed.

Promoting healthy sleep habits can also help workers manage fatigue more effectively, so it’s important to provide information on the benefits of adequate sleep and offer tips for improving sleep quality, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment.

How to manage fatigue at work for employers

By implementing practical strategies, you can help reduce the risk of fatigue and improve overall worker safety and productivity.

Staying hydrated throughout the day

Hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function. It’s important to encourage workers to stay hydrated by providing access to water and reminding them to drink regularly throughout the day.

Eating healthy meals and snacks to maintain energy levels

A balanced diet is crucial for sustaining energy levels and preventing fatigue. Employers can support workers by offering healthy meal and snack options at work and providing education on the benefits of proper nutrition for maintaining energy and focus.

Planning work to avoid overexertion

Overexertion is a really common cause of fatigue in the construction industry. Employers should plan workloads carefully, making sure that tasks are distributed evenly and that workers aren’t overloaded with physically demanding activities.

Utilising breaks effectively

Encouraging workers to use breaks effectively can help combat fatigue. Short naps, light exercise or relaxation techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing can help rejuvenate and improve focus and energy levels.

Fatigue management with HS Direct

Want to find out more about how to manage fatigue at work and fatigue in construction? Chat with an expert now by getting in touch with our team.

Our free resources such as our Shift Working Guidelines for Employers may also come in handy! Want to learn more, see our blog on the importance of Health & Safety in construction. 

Why not take a look at our range of Health & Safety policies, including a complete Construction Health and Safety Policy Document for your business? We also have a range of Health & Safety Software Solutions to assist with H&S management in your organisation.