If workers don’t get 7-9 hours of sleep as recommended, they could be in danger. In the US, one in two mineral extraction workers does not get enough sleep, tired workers can have a greater number of negative health consequences, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, brain problems and obesity. Remember: Proper management of fatigue is a shared responsibility that allows workers to be well-rested and alert on the job. Consider the information below in deciding how to help workers stay well rested and alert on the job.
fatigue load in the USA
According to a study carried out in 2019 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average a US inhabitant works 34 hours per week, a miner works 44 hours per week. The percentage of US residents who work more than 60 hours per week is 7.2T, that of a miner is 17.3. This demonstrates the risk miners have of having an accident due to fatigue.
That increases the risk of fatigue
According to Uehli K, Mehta AJ, Miedinger D, Hug K, Schindler C, Holsboer – Trachsler E, Leuppi JD, Kunzli N from 2014. Not sleeping well. 13% of workplace injuries can be attributed to sleep problems.
Long shifts + night shifts + no rest = more than doubled risk of injury
That reduces the risk of fatigue
- Educate workers on healthy sleep.
- Schedule shifts well.
- Rest breaks every few hours.
- Voluntary sleep disorder test.
- Reduced demanding tasks at the end of the shift and at the end of the work week
- Alternative transportation services to and from work.