Page 177 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Page 1 of 1

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 079

S Martin – 3 March 2008

Rest Breaks/Site Fatigue

There are now many published studies that investigate the correlation between work related
fatigue, tiredness and accidents.

These include work by:

The Energy Institute http://www.energyinst.org.uk/content/files/ialert.pdf
The British Medical Journal http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=1868
The Health & Safety Executive http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/comah/10fatigue.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2003/hsl03-02.pdf

The common conclusion in most of the reports is that fatigue can lead to accidents because it
directly affects a number of key physical and mental abilities needed to carry out even a fairly
simple task. Typical symptoms can include:-

- Impaired concentration
- Slower reaction times
- Poor judgement
- Reduced visual perception
- Reduced hand – eye coordination
- Reduced vigilance
- Increased irritability

These effects are temporary (whilst the person is fatigued) and are eliminated or reduced when
the person is fully rested.

Given the hazards (that are covered in detail on the safety passport course that all employees
attend), Xmo Strata have implemented a mandatory 30 minute lunch break each day for all its
employees on site. It is important that your rest break is formally recorded on your timesheet, in
order that it can be processed promptly.
http://careerfocus.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/333/7564/76.pdf

Being safe depends on the choices we make everyday. The right choices can save lives. We want to
share safety information and help to raise industry awareness. Safety is not about getting one over on
the competition. We need to talk openly, share what we know and make the right choices.

If you have any queries regarding the Safety Bulletin content or require further information please
contact any staff member of Xmo Strata Ltd.