Step Three: Decide on control measures

The third step when managing fatigue involves deciding on control measures to manage exposure to fatigue. Control measures should be introduced according to the hierarchy of control, as outlined within the Risk Management Code of Practice 2007.

The ideal solution when managing fatigue is to completely eliminate factors contributing to fatigue. Because fatigue is caused by a combination of factors, the most effective way to manage it is by using a combination of risk control measures. Examples include:

Limiting shift work to core duties that must be completed at night;
Redesigning work practices so that routine administrative tasks are minimised for night shift workers;
Scheduling later start times so that maximum night sleep can be had before starting work (however this can affect those on night shift);
Scheduling low risk work during periods of high fatigue; and
Scheduling complex tasks to be performed only during the day.

Administrative controls should not be relied on as the primary means of risk control until the options higher in the list of control priorities have been exhausted and should only be used:

When there are no other practical control measures available;
As temporary measures until a permanent solution is found; or
To supplement other controls.

Examples of administrative controls that may be used to manage fatigue include:

Sufficient supervision, particularly during periods of high fatigue, and especially for hazardous work;
Contingency plans removing fatigued workers from work activities where there is a considerable risk to health and/or safety;
Effective emergency responses;
Strict controls and procedures if performing hazardous work during high fatigue periods; and
Job rotation for repetitive tasks, or work that involves heavy physical demands.