Latest Safety Initiative looks at fatigue

Our Safety Initiatives campaign delivers safety advice about topics our people are likely to be exposed to in their work. This month we look at how to recognise and manage fatigue.

Fatigue refers to a mental or physical state of extreme tiredness and lack of energy. It is more than just feeling tired or drowsy.

It can reduce your alertness and ability to safely or effectively perform your work, potentially to injuries or accidents.

Fatigue also has longer-term effects, contributing to illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, depression and anxiety.

This new initiative has information on what to look out for if you suspect you or a colleague is suffering from fatigue and provides advice on how to treat fatigue effectively.

Understandably, firefighters experience several factors that can contribute to fatigue. If you feel yourself becoming fatigued whilst undertaking your duties, always let your officer know.

Read our latest Safety Initiative here [PDF, 240 KB]

Each month a new initiative is developed by our Safety, Health and Wellbeing advisors, who work closely with subject matter experts and researchers to ensure each initiative contains accurate, up-to-date information, which you can access on the Portal here