managing fatigue training program for employees. managing fatigue for the employee what is fatigue ...
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Managing Fatigue
Training Program for Employees
Managing Fatigue
For the Employee
What is FatigueSigns of fatigueWhat causes fatigueFatigue mitigation strategiesUtility Policy
What is Fatigue
“A reduction in physical and/or mental capability as the result of physical, mental or emotional exertion which may impair nearly all physical abilities including: strength; speed; reaction time; coordination; decision making; or balance.”
Source: International Maritime Organization, Maritime Safety Committee Circular
Signs of Fatigue
Signs of FatigueConstant yawningBlurred visionHeavy or sore eyesPoor concentrationSlowed reaction timePoor judgmentSpeech slurredHeadachesDecreased ability to exert force
Leg pain and crampsLoss of appetiteGiddinessDecreased ability to pay attentionIrregular heart beatsHeaviness in arms and legsDecreased eye-hand coordination
What Causes Fatigue
Lack of Sleep Quality of SleepBiological Clock (circadian rhythm) factorsShift work Extended HoursHealth (diet and/or illness) Ingested chemicals (alcohol, drugs, caffeine)
Lack of Sleep (an off duty issue)
Individuals’ needs are unique Recommended 7 – 8 hours of sleep per 24 hour
period 5 stages of Sleep
Stage 1 – Light Sleep - less than 10% Stages 2-4 – Deep Sleep - approximately 65% Stage 5 - REM Sleep – Rapid Eye Movement Sleep
– approximately 25% Each cycle takes about 90 minutes = 5-1/2 cycles
per 8 hour night Need all five stages for the body’s recovery from
daily fatigue
Quality of Sleep (an off duty issue)
Sleep should be Uninterrupted Try for long periods of sleep
Short naps will not restore the body to normal operation.
One seven hour period of sleep is much more restorative than seven one hour naps
Try for sufficient sleep before any periods you anticipate a sleep deficiency
Biological Clock
Most animals (including Humans) follow a daily routine (song birds in the morning, nocturnal animals, etc.)
Called Circadian Rhythm
Time related information controlled within the hypothalamus region of the brain
Melatonin hormone. Increase in Melatonin – Decrease in alertness
Biological Clock
Human Circadian Rhythm is actually on a 25 hour clock. Did you ever notice it’s easier to stay up late than it is to
get up early? Jet Lag is a symptom of the body trying to reset the
biological clock to a new time zone. It is easier to “reset” when flying east to west (You get to
sleep-in in the morning) than when flying west to east (You have to get up earlier than your internal clock expects).
The internal clock can only adjust by an hour or two each day. This is helped by environmental cues (such as
darkness)
Biological Clock
Humans exhibit two “Troughs” or low points in alertness One between midnight and 6 am One between 2 and 4 pm
Fatigue related motor vehicle accidents are: Twice as high at 2 pm as they are at 10 am Six times as high at 2 am as they are at 10 am
Biological Clock
What do the following have in common?
•Three Mile Island
•Chernobyl
•Bhopal
•Exxon Valdez
The Midnight Shift
1979 - Three Mile Island – 4 am local time - Pressure relief valve opens dumping reactor coolant – control room operators failed to recognize the event. Core meltdown
1984 – Bhopal, India – shortly after midnight Methyl Isocyantate Gas (MIC) leak kills 3,800
1986 - Chernobyl Reactor disaster – 12:23 am – 1:28 am local time - critical control room operator error in failing to reset a controller. Core meltdown and release
1989 – Exxon Valdez – 12:04 am ship hits Bligh Reef and spills 10.8 Million gallons of oil
Extended Hours
Normal work day and week = 8 hours per day and 5 days per week
Anything greater is Extended hours OSHA recommendations:
Limit use of extended hours Take additional breaks Tasks that require heavy physical labor should be
performed at the beginning of the shift Monitor for the signs and symptoms of fatigue
Extended Hours
A study by sleep researchers in Australia found that: A person kept awake for 17 hours will exhibit behaviors
and performance of someone with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05
A person kept awake for 24 hours will exhibit behaviors and performance of someone with a BAC of 0.10
Health Issues (an off-duty issue)
Fatigue can be associated with: Medical Conditions (such as heart problems) and Illness (common cold or fever)
Diet can affect feelings of fatigue Refined sugars can cause a short term energy boost but
are often followed by a rapid drop in blood sugar levels causing weakness and instability
Eating a large meal before bedtime can disrupt sleep Psychological Issues of stress or family worries can disrupt
sleep There are Sleep Disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea
(waking up suddenly due to interrupted breathing)
Ingesting Chemicals (an off duty issue)
Medications can cause drowsiness Caffeine - short duration alertness but
side affects hypertension, headaches, mood swings and anxiety
Alcohol is a depressant however, the important REM sleep is disrupted
preventing body recovery.
Fatigue Mitigation Strategies
Develop a pre-sleep routine (warm shower, reading a book) Sleep in a dark, quiet, cool environment Avoid alcohol prior to sleep Avoid caffeine at least six hours prior to sleep Eat regular, well balanced meals Drink a sufficient amount of water Exercise regularlyGet enough proper sleep
Utility Policy
Insert utility policies
References
“Driver fatigue - an accident waiting to happen”, by academy staff of the Australian Academy of Science, June 2006
“Guidance on Fatigue Mitigation and Management”, MSC (Marine Safety Committee) Circular 1014, International Maritime Organization, June 12, 2001
“Extended/Unusual Work Shifts”, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), September, 2, 2004
“Sleepless in Seattle: injured worker’s case shows hazards of fatigue”, Shoop, Julie Gannon, Publication: “Trial”, Dec. 1, 1993
“Personal & Financial Health” Scott, Diane E., RN MSN, Vermont Nurse Connection, Feb. 1, 2008
“Circadian Rhythms and Shift Work” American College of Emergency Physicians, September 2003