Manufacturing

It’s time we address the issue of fatigue in the manufacturing industry. This course helps individual workers know more about what workplace fatigue is and how to fight against it.

Physical and mental exhaustion in the workplace is more common than you think, and it’s time we address the issue. Start the battle against fatigue by knowing more about what it is.

By the end of this lesson…
We will know more about how workers experience workplace fatigue.


The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) defines fatigue as a “state of feeling very tired, weary[,] or sleepy”.


Fatigue in the workplace can be experienced as a result of a combination of increased stress in a worker’s environment, workload, or existing health and sleep problems.


Based on its common symptoms, fatigue can manifest not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.


Signs of Fatigue


Kate is a worker working for a toy manufacturing company. She works a rotating shift where she works a day shift for one week and a night shift for the next.


Initially, she found the rotating shift enjoyable because it helps her spend more time with her family on weeks when she spends days off work.


However, after working the same job and shift for a long time, she starts to feel the burden of her work.


The changing weekly schedule affects her sleeping cycle, causing her to feel sleepy and tired on the job.


She also starts doing her tasks longer than usual because she mistakes parts and colors of the toys for another.


Her experience with work lately causes her to lose motivation, and thinking about the problems her work brings frequently gives her a headache.


Not long after, she starts to become increasingly absent from work because she finds that her body cannot keep up with the demands of her workplace.


Knowing that this isn’t normal, Kate approached her workplace’s employee management department where she learned that she may be experiencing a case of workplace fatigue.


Those are just some of the signs of workplace fatigue.
Kate's experience shows us that fatigue does not just manifest physically, but also mentally and emotionally.


What were the signs that Kate was suffering from workplace fatigue?


Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Keep your responses in mind…
…Because we will be using them for the next lesson!


Fatigue in the Workplace

What makes workplace fatigue so important? What happens if a worker experiences workplace fatigue? This lesson will help you understand the contributing factors and dangers of workplace fatigue.

By the end of this lesson…
We will know more about why fatigue is an important issue among workers in the manufacturing industry and how it affects workers.


How does workplace fatigue affect your employers?


Of course, it is important for employers to understand that it is their responsibility to ensure your overall wellness as their worker.


But aside from that, employers also lose money because of a fatigued workforce.


Shiftboard explains that a company with over 1,000 workers can lose up to $1 Million per year because of health-related lost productivity.


This can include costs coming from hiring an additional workforce, health-related absences, and presenteeism, where workers still go to work but are unproductive mostly because of health issues.


Therefore, fatigue should also be your employer’s issue as much as it is your concern as a worker.


Workplace Fatigue: Causes and Effects

Knowing more about what fatigue is and its causes and effects leads us to this question: how do we prevent workers from experiencing workplace fatigue? Learn more about preventing workplace fatigue through this lesson.

By the end of this lesson…
We will know more about how we can prevent workplace fatigue.


Let’s recall!
Why is it important to address the issue of workplace fatigue for workers?


Understand the workplace culture regarding fatigue
The industry is one built on intensive workloads and long hours, but that doesn't mean it should be your experience too. Employers should acknowledge that the current system is unsustainable.
Provide better work shifts and schedules
Employers should avoid assigning permanent night shifts, 12-hour shifts, and on-call schedules. Schedules should allow you enough rest and breaks between work hours.
Rotate tasks among workers
This avoids the time-on-task effect. Employers may rotate your tasks between easy and difficult ones after certain periods of time.
Provide training programs about the importance of sleep and rest
Employers should help you understand the importance of quality sleep and rest. Having the appropriate amount of rest can help you perform your tasks better.


What can your employers do to fight against fatigue?


Advocate for rest and naps in between work hours
Employers should allow you to take a rest whenever you are feeling tired during a shift. A short nap or resting break can save you from any fatigue-related injury.
Create separate work programs for fatigued workers
Should you be fatigued, employers should present you with options that allow you to continue working and receive income while recovering from fatigue.
Ensure that the workplace is a safe space where workers are encouraged to report fatigue
Employers should create an environment where you can always report fatigue. This ensures your safety and maintains both your health and level of productivity.


Communicate with your workplace
Be transparent with your employers about your situation. The best way that employers can change the workplace is if they understand the needs of their workers.


Learn the most efficient way you can do your own work
Good work ethics and practices can help you tackle and accomplish your work. This can start by identifying the best posture, schedule, or environment that helps you stay productive.


Know your sleeping and resting schedule
Know your body’s needs when it comes to sleep and rest. This includes the proper length of sleep to feel rested, the environment, and even the diet that helps you sleep better at night.


Maintain a routine that works for you
Keeping a routine helps you sleep at the same time every day, which can, in turn, help you achieve better quality sleep.


New

free course

Fighting Fatigue

Fighting Fatigue Lessons

Course overview

The full course includes

Explore more

EdApp is easy to use and free for you and your team. No credit card required.