Almost everyone would admit that they show up to work in the mornings sleepy or that they find themselves needing a nap in the afternoon. It’s normal to feel tired, but there are times when fatigue could actually be a safety risk. No matter what type of job you have, it’s worthwhile to learn more about how you can decrease your chance of an accident in the workplace.
Many people get insufficient sleep. A lack of sleep or getting less sleep over an extended period of time can affect work performance, focus, cognitive abilities and the ability to complete physical tasks. All Ohio workers have the right to be as safe as possible while at their places of employment, and it can benefit everyone to know how to recognize signs of dangerous levels of fatigue when they present themselves.
Who is at risk?
While everyone is tired from time to time, there are some specific types of workers that may be more prone to fatigue. You may be at risk of fatigue increasing the chance of an accident or injury at work if the following apply to you:
- You work the night shift or you have odd hours that impact your sleeping schedule.
- You have young kids at home or a new baby that affects the amount of sleep you get.
- You are working long hours or having to work several days in a row without any time off to rest.
In addition to these things, there are plenty of other factors that could affect how much you sleep. We live in a culture that promotes busyness and 24/7 activities or entertainment. Adults need, on average, seven to nine hours of sleep per night, but few get that amount. Statistics indicate that as many as 13% of all workplace accidents may relate to fatigue in some way.
Hurt at work?
You may want to speak to your employer about the schedules and requirements that may be in place that could put you at risk for chronic fatigue. Additionally, you may want to train yourself to recognize the times that you may not be able to do certain things on the job safely.
If you do suffer an accident that results in injury on the job, you may want to explore your option for filing a workers’ compensation claim. An assessment of your case can help you see how you can secure the help and recovery you need.