TOOLBOX TALK
Issue # 14 • October 2015
Fatigue
INTRODUCTION
Many people ignore or simply do not recognize the symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue is the result of the body being
physically or mentally exhausted; in extreme cases, it can lead to significant reduction of a person’s physical and
mental abilities. It is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace and at home.
Fatigue and its factors
Fatigue is a decreased capacity or complete inability of a person to function normally because of excessive
stimulation or prolonged exertion. Many factors may affect the level of fatigue a person may experience such
as long work hours and interrupted or low quality sleep. A few factors that may lead to the body becoming
fatigued are listed below. When these factors are combined, the level of fatigue increases.
Sleep quality and duration
Sleep deprivation or large sleep debt
Inconsistent sleep/wake cycle, rotating shifts
Diet and nutrition habits of an individual
Change of diet, including short changes of nutrition habits, such as during vacations and social gatherings
Work tasks (physical and mental exertion)
Platform stability (firm ground versus moving ship)
Individual demographics such as age, physical condition and health
Working for prolonged periods of time (periods longer than 12 hours)
Periods of high stress
Harsh working conditions such as: extreme temperature, high noise levels and excessive vibration
Common fatigue misconceptions
There are many common misconceptions related to fatigue. A few examples are listed below.
Sleeping during the day is not as fulfilling as sleeping at night - this is incorrect
Fatigue and stress are the same thing - stress is an emotional state while fatigue is a physical state though
it is true that stress and fatigue can influence each other
Quantity is more important than quality of sleep - both the quantity and quality of sleep are equally
important
If you have slept then you should be alert - the length and quality of the sleep, as well as the previous
level of fatigue, determine the alertness of the individual upon waking
FATIGUE
Fatigue is easily self-monitored - most people suffering from fatigue are usually unaware of it until it is
too late to do anything
Coffee is a great cure for fatigue - although coffee may help delay the onset of fatigue, its effect is short
lived
Actual Injury Report
A crew member had a major car accident during the early hours of the morning (approximately 0400) while
driving to attend a survey. The crew member suffered multiple injuries, including a broken leg, ribs, and neck.
Driving while fatigued can result in severe consequences as evidenced in this case. Crew members experiencing
fatigue should postpone a pending survey to allow time for rest or make arrangements for non-fatigued
personnel to drive to the location.
Symptoms of fatigue
Individuals suffering from fatigue may not realize they are experiencing symptoms until it is too late; therefore
it is important to be on the lookout for signs of fatigue in the people around us. Some of the signs and symptoms
of fatigue are listed below.
Instability while walking, e.g. stumbling
Drooping eyes
Reduced short-term and long-term memory
Slurred or slowed speech
Irritability
Decreased reaction time
Short attention span
Drooping head and uncontrollable yawning
Increased risk tolerance(such as omitting tasks)
Some symptoms can be identified by the individual experiencing fatigue. Listed below are a few self-diagnosing
symptoms of fatigue.
Burning or itching eyes Headaches
Moodiness Heavy eyelids, troubling focusing
Trembling hands Back, neck and muscle pain
Trouble thinking Difficulty waking up
Combating fatigue
Because fatigue is a serious issue and can lead to accidents and injuries it is important to know how to combat
fatigue. Some suggestions are listed below.
FATIGUE
Get at least six to eight uninterrupted hours of sleep before starting a work shift
If possible sleep at the same time each day
Individuals sleeping during the day should find a dark, cool, quiet location and use earplugs to block out
any noise
Take scheduled work breaks
Replenish resources such as proteins and sugars for muscles and fats and minerals for the brain and
nerves
Do not eat large quantities before bed; this may cause trouble sleeping
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes; these substances can cause sleep disturbances
Regular exercise, such as walking and aerobics, can increase stamina and help individuals fall asleep
faster
If there is a significant amount of work for a call out, do not hesitate to ask the lead crew member or supervisor
for additional assistance. When no one else is available, do not commit to performing work if the task is too
extensive to be carried out by one person.
Actual Near Miss
A crew member carried out an inspection of seven big blocks at various subcontractors in excessive heat, causing
the crew member to perspire profusely. After completing the inspection, the crew member was returning home
when he started to experience severe cramps in his thighs and calves; the crew member was not injured due to
this situation. When working in situations that may cause fatigue, crew members should take the necessary rest
breaks to replenish themselves before continuing to work or drive.
Discussion
Report and discuss any incidents pertaining to fatigue with your supervisor.
The material in this document is provided for informational purposes only and not as a comprehensive or exhaustive resource on this topic. This material has been
compiled from a multitude of sources believed to be accurate. In no event does the content of this document supersede any applicable local, state or federal
statutes or regulations.
