Addressing Fatigue in the Workplace

Although rotating or long and extended work shifts often cannot be avoided, there are strategies that employers can take to lessen the sleep deprivation that these shifts may cause, as follows:

• Redesign the work schedule or redistribute the workload to maximize the worker's opportunities to get sufficient rest.
• Improve the work environment. For example, provide rest areas in which workers can get periods of deep sleep.
• Develop programs to educate workers about fatigue and how to avoid and handle it.

Workers can take the following actions to address their risk of fatigue, as follows:

• Learn about fatigue and the safety and health risks it poses.
• Learn improved sleep strategies.
• Adopt exercise and diet programs that help to combat fatigue.
• Practice relaxation techniques.

At present, there are no specific OSHA standards to address the concern of extended and unusual work shifts in the oil and gas extraction industry. However, informative documents are available.

To learn more about Oil & Gas Extraction visit our Oil & Gas Extraction Safety Online Training web page.