There is evidence that fatigue is under-reported in incident investigations. The following will be helpful in identifying whether fatigue was an issue:
Consider the time of day the incident occurred. Was it:
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At a 'circadian low point'? (13:00 - 16:00; midnight and 06:00)? |
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Close to the end of a shift? |
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Within a period of two to four hours from the start of a shift? |
Consider the point within the shift cycle when the incident occurred. Was it:
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At changes of shift, for example during the first day shift following a cycle of night shifts? |
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At the end of a period of night shifts? |
Consider the sleeping patterns of those involved in the incident, in particular, those who seem to have 'caused' the incident. Were they:
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Sufficiently rested during the off-shift period before coming on shift? |
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Suffering from disrupted sleep? |
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Doing a second job during an extended period of rest days between shifts? |
Consider the work environment. Was it:
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Generally conducive to sleep? |
Consider the type of work being carried out. Was it:
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Work requiring sustained attention or extended concentration? |
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Work requiring significant physical effort? |
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Safety-critical work that could have been scheduled at another time? |
Consider those involved in the incident. Were they:
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Taking any medicines that could have caused drowsiness or lack of attention? |
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Taking stimulants (such as caffeine) to maintain their alertness? |
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Assessed for fitness for duty before starting work or monitored during the shift for signs of fatigue? |
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Tired on arrival after a long journey to work? |
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
