Fatigue is a major concern in the rail industry as it can impact safety and performance. It reduces reaction time, affects alertness and increases the risk of errors. Here’s how to tackle fatigue within the industry effectively:
1. Safety Culture
It is important to ensure your company culture allows staff to feel supported in managing fatigue levels. Creating and sharing resources to help with mental health, stress level and a reporting system can improve safety and wellbeing within the industry.
2. Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS)
Ensuring a safety protocol is followed allows potential risks to be assessed. Implementing a FRMS allows fatigue levels in real-time and work schedules to be monitored.
3. Healthy Lifestyles
Promoting better sleeping habits, physical fitness, and healthy eating can help workers better manage fatigue. Providing resources on wellness initiatives can improve overall wellbeing.
4. Optimising Work Schedules
Designing schedules that allow rest is crucial. Limiting overtime, creating shift patterns that align with adequate sleep cycles and ensuring time off between shifts are a few ways to reduce fatigue.
5. Rest Breaks
Regular breaks during shifts can allow workers to recharge effectively, especially if they are on night shifts. Consideration should also be given to environmental factors such as hot / cold weather when planning breaks and the proximity / accessibility of welfare facilities, to allow workers the opportunity to take a break.
Rest between shifts means the amount of time the worker is undertaking activities that promote relaxation such as sleeping, leisure activities or spending time in a calm environment. The time between shifts may not be ‘rest’ for many workers as they may not be able to achieve sufficient rest time due to other commitments such as caring for family members.
In conclusion, managing fatigue in the rail industry is not just about preventing incidents, it allows staff to be protected on track. By following some of the above points, it allows safety and operational efficiency to be at the forefront of each shift, for each employee.