HSE Guidance - Human factors: Fatigue

Summary

Fatigue refers to the issues that arise from excessive working time or poorly designed shift patterns. It is generally considered to be a decline in mental and/or physical performance that results from prolonged exertion, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal clock. Fatigue results in slower reactions, reduced ability to process information, memory lapses, absent-mindedness, decreased awareness, lack of attention and underestimation of risk. It can lead to errors and accidents, ill-health and injury, and reduced productivity and is often a root cause of major accidents.

This guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines key information about fatigue and signposts to further resources about managing fatigue at work.