Fatigue is a common problem in the workplace, and it is often at the root of accidents and injuries. Workers who are over-tired or sleep-deprived are not able to concentrate well and can easily make mistakes that lead to injuries. Experts in Occupational Medicine in Cincinnati OH recommend that employers take some measures to prevent or minimize their employees’ fatigue at work.
The first thing employers can do to help their employees is to design work schedules that allow employees sufficient time to rest and recover before starting work again. One of the biggest causes of fatigue is shift work, especially when employees have to work alternating shifts or irregular shifts, meaning that they may be called in to work at any time of day or night. These workers are not able to establish a regular sleeping pattern so that, even on their days off, they’re not getting enough sleep. Employers who require a lot of overtime may also be putting the health of their workers at risk.
Employers can also provide amenities that help with fatigue, such as a place to sleep during break times. Sometimes a nap can help revive an employee who is battling fatigue. Offering prepared meals and water to employees can also save them time they would have to spend at home and ensure that they’re getting sufficient nutrition and energy during the workday. Providing seating for workers that spend most of their time on their feet can help with fatigue, and good lighting can ease fatigue-induced stress.
Employers should also consider using a fatigue assessment to determine to what extent their employees are affected by fatigue and to what extent their fatigue is affecting their performance and safety. Fatigue may be due to personal circumstances as well as work-related ones as some employees work more than one job, for example, while some lose sleep due to care giving duties for infants or elders. A healthcare provider that offers Occupational Medicine in Cincinnati OH can not only help with fatigue screening but also help employees learn some strategies to better manage fatigue. Visit the website to learn more about workplace fatigue and other workplace health and safety issues.
