Toolbox Talk Fatigue Health Risks in Construction This

Toolbox Talk Fatigue Health Risks in Construction This project has been delivered with support from the CITB Growth Fund, which aims to ensure that the construction industry has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time and is equipped to meet the future skills demands of the industry.

What is Fatigue? » There is no clear definition of fatigue » Generally though, it is a feeling of tiredness and being unable to perform work effectively

What can cause fatigue? » Loss of sleep, whether that be in one night or over many » Poor quality sleep » Long working hours » Inadequate breaks during the working day » Poorly designed shift work

Signs of Fatigue A worker will be: » Less alert » Less able to process information » Have slower reaction times » Less interest in working

What are the main effects of fatigue? » Find it hard to: • Concentrate • Make clear decisions • Take in and act on information » Have more frequent lapses of attention or memory » Slower reactions, eg to hazards arising in the workplace

What are the main effects of fatigue? » Make more errors » Feeling drowsy which could lead to falling asleep at work » Have little motivation or interest in their work » Be irritable

Be aware… » You may not appreciate how tired you are » You can get use to being tired and have ways of coping with how you feel » Coping with being tired can increase • Stress • Risk of stomach problems • Other health issues

Prevention » Make sure you have an opportunity to sleep at least 8 hours sleep between shifts » Try and develop good sleeping habits » Take your breaks during the working day » Eat a well balanced diet » Take time to relax after work and prepare mind and body for sleep

For more information HSE Website – www. hse. gov. uk/humanfactors/topics/fatigue. htm

ANY QUESTIONS? www. cbhscheme. com