Workplace Fatigue Problems Can Be Curbed, Experts Say
A recent survey by the National Safety Council found that 32 percent of reported workplace injuries and near-misses are due to fatigued employees. Experts say employers can combat workplace fatigue by alternating tasks, limiting overtime shifts, and rotating shift schedules to ensure no one is always on the night shift. However, managers are concerned that solutions that aim to limit workplace accidents can hinder productivity. According to the survey, 90 percent of employers want to understand root causes of employees' fatigue, but only 55 percent say they will adjust schedules or tasks. Among other things, 74 percent of employers underestimate the prevalence of fatigue in the workforce, and 73 percent do not communicate with employees about fatigue. "One of the overarching themes is that we need to make sure fatigue is understood as a hazard in the workplace," said Emily Whitcomb, senior program manager for the National Safety Council. "We have this culture that sometimes (it) benefits employees to work long hours. And it's really a hazard."