20 May Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can significantly affect workplace safety by reducing alertness, concentration, judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Employees who report to work without adequate rest may not recognize how impaired they are, increasing the likelihood of errors, injuries, and vehicle or equipment incidents.

Guide for Discussion

How Sleep Deprivation Affects Safety

Insufficient sleep can affect both physical and mental performance. A fatigued employee may experience:

• Slower reaction time.
• Reduced concentration and attention.
• Poor judgment and decision-making.
• Decreased coordination and manual dexterity.
• Difficulty remembering instructions or procedures.
• Reduced ability to recognize hazards.
• Irritability or changes in mood.
• Microsleeps or briefly falling asleep unintentionally.
• Reduced work quality and productivity.

These effects are particularly dangerous when driving, operating equipment, working at heights, performing electrical work, or completing other safety-sensitive tasks.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Employees should recognize signs that fatigue may be affecting their ability to work safely, including:

• Frequent yawning.
• Heavy eyelids or difficulty keeping the eyes open.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Forgetfulness.
• Wandering thoughts.
• Repeated mistakes.
• Slowed reactions.
• Irritability.
• Difficulty maintaining proper posture.
• Nodding off or experiencing microsleeps.

Do not ignore these warning signs or attempt to simply “push through” severe fatigue.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees can reduce fatigue-related risks by:

• Getting adequate sleep before reporting to work.
• Maintaining a reasonably consistent sleep schedule.
• Planning personal activities so they allow sufficient time for rest.
• Reporting to work fit for duty.
• Recognizing when fatigue is affecting concentration or performance.
• Informing a supervisor when fatigue may prevent safe performance of assigned work.
• Staying adequately hydrated.
• Taking authorized rest breaks.
• Avoiding alcohol or other substances that can impair sleep quality or alertness.
• Using medications according to instructions and recognizing when they may cause drowsiness.

Employees should never operate a vehicle, machinery, or other hazardous equipment when fatigue makes it unsafe to do so.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors should remain alert for signs of employee fatigue, particularly during extended shifts, overtime, night work, repetitive tasks, and safety-sensitive operations.

When fatigue becomes a safety concern, supervisors should consider:

• Providing appropriate rest breaks.
• Rotating demanding or monotonous tasks when practical.
• Adjusting work assignments when an employee cannot safely perform a task.
• Limiting unnecessary extended work periods.
• Considering fatigue when planning overtime and work schedules.
• Encouraging employees to report fatigue-related concerns without delaying until an incident occurs.
• Reviewing fatigue as a possible contributing factor during incident and near-miss investigations.

Getting Adequate Sleep

Good sleep habits can improve alertness and workplace performance.

Helpful practices include:

• Maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule when possible.
• Allow enough time for adequate sleep.
• Keep the sleeping environment dark, quiet, and comfortable.
• Establish a relaxing routine before bedtime.
• Limit caffeine, particularly later in the day.
• Avoid heavy meals immediately before bedtime.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can interfere with sleep quality.
• Exercise regularly while allowing adequate time to wind down before sleeping.
• Limit activities that unnecessarily reduce available sleep time.

Persistent difficulty sleeping or excessive daytime sleepiness may warrant consultation with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Driving and Equipment Operation

Fatigue can be especially dangerous while driving or operating mobile equipment.

If you become excessively sleepy:

• Do not continue driving or operating equipment when you cannot do so safely.
• Stop in a safe location when driving.
• Notify your supervisor when fatigue affects your ability to perform assigned work safely.
• Do not rely solely on caffeine, opening a window, loud music, or similar methods to overcome serious drowsiness.

Adequate sleep is the primary protection against fatigue-related impairment.

Discussion Questions

• What signs tell you that you are becoming fatigued?
• Which tasks at our workplace would be especially dangerous when performed while tired?
• What should you do if you believe fatigue is affecting your ability to work safely?
• How can work planning reduce fatigue during long or demanding jobs?
• What can you do outside of work to improve the quality and amount of sleep you receive?

Remember

Fatigue does not affect only the tired employee. A momentary loss of concentration can endanger coworkers, motorists, pedestrians, customers, and the public. Recognize the warning signs and speak up when fatigue could interfere with safe work.