Fatigue Risk Assessment Toolbox Talk

Fatigue is a workplace hazard that can affect workers regardless of experience or job title. Long work hours, physically demanding tasks, extreme temperatures, shift work, repetitive activities, and inadequate sleep can all increase fatigue and reduce a worker's ability to perform safely. A fatigue risk assessment helps identify these factors before work begins so appropriate controls can be put in place to reduce the risk of fatigue-related incidents.

This toolbox talk reviews how fatigue risks should be assessed, the factors that contribute to worker fatigue, and the controls that help keep workers alert and safe throughout the workday.

Why This Matters

• Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment and decision-making.
• Recognizing fatigue risks before work begins helps prevent incidents.
• Fatigue increases the likelihood of errors when operating vehicles, equipment, and power tools.
• Assessments help supervisors plan work schedules, breaks, and task assignments appropriately.
• Managing fatigue improves both worker safety and job performance.

Common Fatigue Risk Factors

• Long shifts or excessive overtime.
• Consecutive workdays with limited recovery time.
• Early morning, overnight, or rotating shifts.
• Physically demanding or repetitive tasks.
• Heat, cold, noise, vibration, or other environmental stressors.
• Long commutes before or after work.
• Insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality.
• High mental workload or prolonged periods requiring intense concentration.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Evaluate the planned shift length, workload, and expected environmental conditions.
• Identify tasks that require a high level of concentration or involve significant safety risks.
• Plan appropriate work-rest schedules and task rotation where practical.
• Ensure workers understand the signs and symptoms of fatigue.
• Confirm adequate staffing is available to complete the work safely.
• Discuss fatigue risks during the pre-job briefing and encourage workers to report concerns.

During the Workday

• Monitor workers for signs of fatigue such as slowed reactions, reduced concentration, frequent yawning, or unusual errors.
• Adjust work assignments if conditions become more physically or mentally demanding than anticipated.
• Take scheduled breaks and encourage workers to stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
• Increase supervision during extended shifts or high-risk activities.
• Reassess fatigue risks if work hours are extended or conditions change significantly.
• Encourage workers to report fatigue before it creates an unsafe condition.

Crew Talking Points

• What fatigue hazards are present on today's job?
• Which tasks require the highest level of alertness?
• How will breaks and task rotation help reduce fatigue?
• What signs indicate someone may be too fatigued to continue working safely?
• How should workers report fatigue concerns?
• Speak up immediately if fatigue is affecting your safety or the safety of others.

Stop Work If

• Fatigue prevents safe completion of the assigned task.
• A worker shows signs of impaired judgment, slowed reactions, or difficulty staying alert.
• Work conditions change and fatigue risks have not been reassessed.
• High-risk work cannot be completed safely because of worker fatigue.
• Adequate rest breaks or staffing are unavailable to manage fatigue risks.
• You are unsure whether fatigue is affecting your ability to work safely.

Final Reminder

Fatigue should be treated like any other workplace hazard. Identify fatigue risks before work begins, monitor workers throughout the shift, adjust work plans as conditions change, and encourage open communication about fatigue concerns. Recognizing and controlling fatigue early helps prevent injuries and keeps everyone working safely.