Prevention of sleep problems and fatigue management are important components of a comprehensive wellness and safety program, and can help promote and support well-rested and alert employees– critical factors for safe and productive operations. Education programs help increase awareness of common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. They can also promote healthy sleep hygiene/habits and how to effectively and safely manage sleep loss/fatigue. Medical and lifestyle interventions also play an important role for diagnosing and treating those most at-risk.
Employers can take the following actions to help manage fatigue in the workplace:
- Assess organization for fatigue-related risks (includes assessment of off-shift hours and consecutive shift work and policies addressing extended work shifts and hours)
- Get employee input when designing work schedules
- Create and implement a fatigue management plan with evidence-based strategies for combatting fatigue (short naps, physical activity, frequent breaks)
- Educate employees about sleep hygiene
- Provide opportunities for employees to share their concerns and how to address them
- Encourage a teamwork strategy, particularly for employees with extended work shifts or hours
- Consider fatigue as a possible contributing factor when reviewing all adverse events
- Provide a nap room- a cool, dark and quiet room for sleep breaks, offer eye masks and ear plugs
*Actions were adapted from The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert on Health Care Worker Fatigue and Patient Safety
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