Health Risks in Construction This tool box talk explains about fatigue 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 Loss of sleep – ‘acute’ eg having 5 hours sleep instead of the usual 8 in a night. Or cumulative’ having 7 hours sleep instead of the usual 8 over a number of nights Poor quality sleep – lots of interruptions Long working hours, especially if between 14 – 16 hours Inadequate breaks during the working day Poorly designed shift work Having to work at a ‘low point’ in the day, eg early hours of the morning, mid to late afternoon and after meals

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 Try and sleep at the same time each day When trying to sleep during the day try and find a cool, dark location or set the room up how you like it to help you sleep Take your breaks, have a snack or try and do a little bit of exercise during the break to feel refreshed Eat a well balanced diet. Do not eat large quantities before bedtime as this may cause problems with trying to sleep Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes as these substances can cause problems with sleeping

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

ANY QUESTIONS? www.cbhscheme.com If you have any questions about anything raised in this TBT about mental well being and stress then please speak to you Manager, contact your GP or call the CBH helpline on 0845 873 7726 Thanks for listening today www.cbhscheme.com