Shift Work, Fatigue and Worker Safety
Working Against the Body Clock
Many Australians work outside traditional daytime hours.
Healthcare workers, emergency personnel, miners, transport operators and hospitality workers frequently undertake shift work.
Why Shift Work is Challenging
The body operates on an internal biological clock known as the circadian rhythm.
Shift work can disrupt:
- Sleep quality
- Alertness
- Hormone regulation
- Mental wellbeing
The Impact of Fatigue
Fatigue may contribute to:
- Workplace injuries
- Reduced concentration
- Poor decision making
- Increased absenteeism
Looking After Your Sleep
Workers can improve sleep health by:
- Maintaining consistent sleep routines
- Managing light exposure
- Limiting caffeine before sleep
- Seeking assessment if excessive fatigue persists
Healthy workers start with healthy sleep.
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