Fatigue Awareness

What is Fatigue?

ÜFatigue describes a physical and/or mental state of being tired and weak.

ÜAlthough physical and mental fatigue are different, the two often occur together - if a person is physically exhausted for long enough, they will also be mentally tired.

ÜWhen somebody experiences physical fatigue, it means they cannot continue functioning at their normal levels of physical ability.

ÜMental fatigue, however, is more slanted towards feeling sleepy and being unable to concentrate properly.

ÜFatigue may have several possible causes.

ÜExperts say that 10% of people globally at any one time are suffering from persistent tiredness. Persistent tiredness affects females more than males.

 What Causes Fatigue?

ÜFatigue describes a physical and/or mental state of being tired and weak.

ÜAlthough physical and mental fatigue are different, the two often occur together - if a person is physically exhausted for long enough, they will also be mentally tired.

ÜWhen somebody experiences physical fatigue, it means they cannot continue functioning at their normal levels of physical ability.

ÜMental fatigue, however, is more slanted towards feeling sleepy and being unable to concentrate properly.

ÜFatigue may have several possible causes.

ÜExperts say that 10% of people globally at any one time are suffering from persistent tiredness. Persistent tiredness affects females more than males.

How do you combat Fatigue?

ÜMany people experience fatigue due to lack of quality sleep.  Quality/uninterrupted sleep is essential to combating fatigue.  Some helpful tips on how to get quality sleep include:

·Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day

·Set your bedroom's temperature at a comfortable level. It must neither be too cold nor too hot

·Do not have your last meal of the day too close to your bedtime - not less than 90 minutes or two hours before you go to bed

·As bedtime approaches, physically and mentally slow down.

ÜA healthy lifestyle has a significant impact on fatigue

·Proper diet and regular exercise can boost energy levels and improve mental sharpness

 

Recognizing Fatigue

 

ÜSince fatigue is so commonplace in todays work environment, it may be difficult to recognize in yourself and your co-workers.  Some of the symptoms of fatigue include:

·Lethargy – Low energy level and non-productive.

·Visibly tired – Eyes are droopy, slow to respond or act, not following directions accurately.

·Prone to mistakes – Mistakes are made often and even simple tasks are not completed correctly

 

Employee Responsibilities Regarding Fatigue

 

vEmployees are responsible for:

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ÜRemaining drug and alcohol free during their employment with Furmanite.

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ÜNot using over-the-counter or prescription drugs to increase mental alertness.

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ÜEmployees are prohibited from taking any substance known to increase fatigue, including fatigue that sets in after the effects of the drug wear off.

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ÜEmployees must report fatigue/tiredness and lack of mental acuity to supervision.

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ÜEmployees/contractors should use their time off the job to get the appropriate sleep or rest and maintain their alertness and fitness for duty.

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ÜEmployees should to monitor their own performance and take regular periods of rest to avoid continuing work when tired.

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ÜMonitor co-workers state of alertness.