Protecting Against Worker Fatigue

We've all been there before: you only get a few hours of quality sleep, at which point you are forced to get ready for work. A couple cups of coffee may get you through those initial morning hours. But come mid-day afternoon, you begin to crash. With little-to-no energy remaining, you struggle to make it through the day.

Unfortunately, work-related fatigue is an all-too-common in today's society. Even if a worker feels tired and fatigued, he or she may still attempt to perform their job, which often increases the risk of injury. Fatigued workers have slower response times and less strength and endurance -- a combination that can prove disastrous in certain jobs and occupations.

Dangers of Work-Related Fatigue

To put the problem of work-related fatigue, a recent study has found that the number of hours a worker remains awake is similar to blood alcohol levels. 17 hours of being awake, for instance, is roughly the same as having a blood alcohol content of 0.05. 21 hours of being aware is the same as having a blood alcohol content of 0.08. And being awake for a full 24-25 hours is the same as having a blood alcohol content of 0.10.

According to a study published in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal, sleep deficient workers have a higher chance of developing muscle pain and discomfort when compared to non-sleep deprived workers.

Here are some tips to help protect against worker fatigue:

• Get a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or coffee before going to sleep.
• When working long shifts, take regular breaks throughout.
• Experts recommend placing a minimum of 12 hours between consecutive shifts.
• Eat a healthy diet consisting of lean meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and whole grains.
• Manage your stress levels, as this plays a key role in your energy (or lack thereof).
• Take a vacation at least once a year. Doing so allows your body to "reset" so to speak, at which point you'll return feeling rested and rejuvinated.