Health & safety bulletin
Rest Breaks / Site Fatigue
3rd March 2008
There are now many published studies that investigate the correlation between work related fatigue, tiredness and accidents.
These include work by:
The common conclusion in most of the reports is that fatigue can lead to accidents because it directly affects a number of key physical and mental abilities needed to carry out even a fairly simple task. Typical symptoms can include:-
- Impaired concentration
- Slower reaction times
- Poor judgement
- Reduced visual perception
- Reduced hand - eye coordination
- Reduced vigilance
- Increased irritability
These effects are temporary (whilst the person is fatigued) and are eliminated or reduced when the person is fully rested.
Given the hazards (that are covered in detail on the safety passport course that all employees attend); Xmo Strata have implemented a mandatory 30 minute lunch break for all its employees on-site. It is important that your rest break is formally recorded on your timesheet, in order that it can be processed promptly.