Scrambling to stay awake on the job

If it seems that, nowadays, employees look like they have not had a good night’s sleep for some time, it is probably because they have not. Employee fatigue appears to be a growing problem for many companies. As a result, pressure on employees, as well as employers, is building.

According to a 2003 survey conducted by Expedia.com (2006), 63% of American workers work more than 40 hours a week, and almost 40% exceed 50 hours per week. These longer work weeks—which are now routine and, perhaps, even expected—could lead to a hazardous situation for any business. To add to the stress, technological advances—including laptop computers, pagers, and cell phones, which make employees constantly accessible—can prevent workers from escaping their jobs at night and on weekends. Also, the effects of restructurings, mergers, and downsizing sometimes leave employees carrying heavier workloads while they fear losing their jobs. You may soon find that workers feel like hamsters scrambling on exercise wheels that never stop.

When employees are excessively tired, poor attention and slow reflexes may lead to less productivity and efficiency. Further, if employee fatigue results in an accident involving your business, you and your business may be held liable, particularly if you knew—or should have known—that your workers were dangerously tired.

Preventing Fatigue

What can you do to reduce the risk of excessive tiredness in your work force? To begin, recognize the problem and the extent to which it affects your workers. Then, take steps to prevent fatigue on the job by addressing this issue in your risk management program: train your managers to watch for signs of sleep deprivation, investigate ways to adjust staffing levels so no employee is overworked, set realistic job expectations and assignment deadlines, and do not overlook soliciting input from your employees—as the people closest to the problem, they may have many excellent suggestions to offer.

Workplace fatigue can be a serious problem that can affect your bottom line. By helping your employees remain alert, you may not only increase your productivity and reduce your liability, but you may also prevent personal injury, property damage, and loss of life. To further protect your business, consider your liability insurance needs. Give us a call to review your current coverage.

Risk Management Online Vol. 14, No. 4 Copyright © 2006 Liberty Publishing, Inc.