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Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Regulations

Guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice

Risk-based Fatigue Management at Mines

Part C: Format and Content of the Mandatory Code of Practice

8. Aspects to be addressed in the Code of Practice

8.1 Factors to be considered when addressing fatigue at mines

 

The COP should set a process for determining general considerations for fatigue management.

 

8.1.1 Causes of fatigue

 

Human fatigue is multifactorial and from a health and safety perspective, fatigue is most appropriately conceptualised as either work related or non-work related.

 

8.1.1.1        Work-related causes

 

Common workplace issues that can cause fatigue include:

Work time arrangements;
High physical workloads;
Temperature extremes;
Excessive noise;
Work stress; and
Poor ergonomic design of workstations and equipment.

 

8.1.1.2 Non-work-related causes

 

Non-work-related causes that are variable on an individual level include the following:

(a) Undiagnosed medical conditions - many diseases and disorders can trigger fatigue, including:
Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea or restless leg syndrome;
Chronic fatigue syndrome;
Tuberculosis;
Chronic pain;
Heart problems; and
HIV.
(b) Living conditions (housing and nutrition).
(c) Alcohol and substance abuse.
(d) Lack of exercise.
(e) Certain medications.

 

It is the responsibility of employees to inform the employers of any health condition or medication they are on.

 

8.1.1.3 Total worker fatigue

 

The fatigue experienced by an individual is usually an accumulation of several of the above factors and can be expressed in the following equation:

 

FT = FSS + FEW + FPF

 

Where;

FT    = total fatigue
FSS   = fatigue caused by the shift system/work time arrangements
FEW = fatigue caused by poo ergonomics, environmental and work factors
FPF   = fatigue caused by personal factors such as insufficient/poor sleep, health, nutrition and personal lifestyle.