259621 lg - fatigue in the workplace

Unit Standard 259621 - Manage the prevention of fatigue in the workplace

LEARNER GUIDE

Manage the Prevention of Fatigue in the Workplace

Unit Standard 259621

Level 2 Credits 3

2 259621 Learner Guide – Manage the prevention of fatigue in the workplace

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 3

LEARNING PROGRAMME SCHEDULE ................................................................................................ 4

UNIT STANDARD ............................................................................................................................. 4

LESSON 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Causes of Fatigue ........................................................................................................................... 7

What Is Fatigue? ...................................................................................................................... 7

LESSON 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Preventing and Managing Fatigue ................................................................................................. 11

How Much Sleep Do People Need? ....................................................................................... 11

Fatigue Management ............................................................................................................. 15

Extended Hours of Work .......................................................................................................... 15

Shift work ............................................................................................................................... 15

Time of day ............................................................................................................................. 16

Roster and work design ............................................................................................................ 16

Sleep inertia ............................................................................................................................ 17

Breaks .................................................................................................................................... 17

Occupational exposure levels ................................................................................................... 17

Manual tasks ........................................................................................................................... 17


INTRODUCTION Dear Learner

We welcome you to this learning programme – MANAGE THE PREVENTION OF FATIGUE IN THE WORKPLACE. Congratulations on choosing to upgrade your skills. We believe that this is one of many learning programmes that will develop and improve your skills.

Over the past couple of years, South Africa has made a significant shift from the old dispensation in education (where learners used to be bombarded with theory and very little practical work) to an outcomes-based education model (based on competency rather than on theory). The aim of the shift is to make the South African labour force more productive and show them how to apply the knowledge that they have gained from training programmes.

The learning programme you are about to start is outcomes-based and in line with the outcomes as stipulated in the applicable unit standard. The assessment is also in line with the assessment criteria as stipulated in the unit standard. Once you have been declared competent on the outcomes of this unit standard, you will receive credits towards a nationally recognised qualification.

You will be assessed formatively and summatively. The formative assessment will be conducted as you work through the lessons of this Study Guide and the summative assessment will be conducted when you have completed your training. Assessment can also be defined as the method that is used to determine whether you have mastered the skills that you will be taught during this learning programme. Assessment usually consists of two components, namely instructional learning (as conducted during this learning programme) and the workplace assessment – to determine your practical skills and your ability to implement what you have learnt.

The purpose with the Practical Guide Logbook (which will be handed to you by your assessor) will be to assess whether you can apply what you have learnt in the workplace. Another added advantage to the new dispensation is the fact that recognition of prior learning is also considered and can count towards achieving credits towards a skills programme or qualification. Life experience, work experience and previous courses attended can be taken into consideration for recognition of prior learning purposes, should it relate to the specific learning programme or qualification you are working towards. This is merely a brief description to the new dispensation and barely covers what one can learn about this.

So, you will undergo theoretical training, receive your Practical Guide Logbook and Learner Assessment Workbook & Portfolio of Evidence. These documents contain the requirements for your summative assessments that must be included in the PoE. At this point, you and your assessor will sign the Assessment Plan and your assessment will commence! You will be guided all the way.

We hope that this makes you as excited as it does us and it is a real privilege for us to be able to facilitate and assess you on the outcomes of the unit standard that we are about to start. Please feel free to communicate any questions to your facilitator or to your assessor.

Remember, look out for the following icons in your Study Guide:

This icon indicates an activity that must be completed in or during training (Class Work).

This icon indicates an activity that must be completed and placed in your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).


LEARNING PROGRAMME SCHEDULE Learning Programme Name: 259621 - MANAGE THE PREVENTION OF FATIGUE IN THE WORKPLACE

Unit Standard Unit ID US NQF Level US Credits

259621 - Manage the prevention of fatigue in the workplace

259621 NQF Level 2 3 Credits

Details of the Learning Programme Schedule:

This learning programme will be trained over a period of 1 DAY

The learner has 4 HOURS (1 DAY) in which to complete the FORMATIVE and SUMMATIVE Assessments

The learner has to spend a minimum of 12 HOURS (3 DAYS) in the work environment in the form of

practical work

Good Luck and enjoy your learning experience!

UNIT STANDARD SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD:

Manage the prevention of fatigue in the workplace

SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE

259621 Manage the prevention of fatigue in the workplace

ORIGINATOR

SGB Occupational Health and Safety

PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY

-

FIELD SUBFIELD

Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Preventive Health

ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE

PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS

Undefined Regular Level 2 NQF Level 02 3

REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER

Reregistered 2018-07-01 2023-06-30 SAQA 10105/14


LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT

2024-06-30 2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard requires learners to be able to identify and help prevent fatigue in the workplace. Fatigue is responsible for reduced productivity and increased carelessness and/or error which lead to life threatening situations or emergencies. The qualifying learner is capable of:

• Identifying the causes of fatigue.

• Describing means of preventing fatigue.

• Managing the treatment of fatigue.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

N/A

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Identify the causes of fatigue.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Fundamental anatomy and function of the human endocrine system is explained in relation to the causes of fatigue.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

The function of the endocrine system may include but is not limited to control of brain, digestive system, renal system.


Effects of specific medical conditions and prescribed medication are explained in terms of their impact on sleep patterns of individuals.


Medical conditions may include but are not limited to diabetes, hypertension, sleep and ageing, women and sleep, anaemia, depression, anxiety, irritability, chronic pain and infections.


The effects of substances on sleep patterns are explained with examples of resultant behaviours.


Substances include, but are not limited to:

• Alcohol, caffeine, illegal drugs.


The implication of environmental conditions is explained in relation to chronic fatigue.


Environmental conditions include, but are not limited to:


• Own working environment, shift work, type of work, regular over-time worked, work culture, noise, heat, personal circumstances, biological clock, circadian rhythm, personal sleep requirements, sleep and ageing.


The signs and symptoms of progressive fatigue are explained with examples.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Describe means of preventing fatigue.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


The importance of eating healthy and well-balanced meals is explained with regard to the type of work performed.


The relevance of exercise and relaxation is described in terms of the prevention of fatigue.


Effects of ongoing or regular interruption during daily sleeping hours on the body are explained with examples.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Manage the treatment of fatigue.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


The fitness of the employee for work is explained in terms of personal appearance and behaviour.


Alertness, behaviour patterns, physical conditions, psychological strain, regular napping at workstation, response to problems, rest.


Self-management of a healthy life-style is explained with examples.


Self-management of a healthy life-style includes, but is not limited to:

• Nutrition, types of meals, number of meals, ways to boost personal energy, vitamin supplements, exercise, correct sleeping habits, social conditions, home life


Referral procedures for fatigued employees are explained in terms of standard organisational policies and/or procedures.


Referral procedures include, but are not limited to:

• Employee Assistance Programmes, medical examinations, adjustment to shift work, sleep clinics.


LESSON 1

Causes of Fatigue This Learning Unit is aligned to US 259621

Specific Outcome 1: Identify the causes of fatigue.

This Learning Unit comprises the theoretical component of your learning and includes activities that are class-

based and of a formative nature.

After completing this Lesson, you should be able to:

✓ Identify the causes of fatigue

✓ Describe conditions that may cause fatigue

✓ Describe signs and symptoms of fatigue

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is the state of feeling very tired, weary or sleepy resulting from insufficient sleep, prolonged mental

or physical work, or extended periods of stress or anxiety. Boring or repetitive tasks can intensify feelings of

fatigue. Fatigue can be described as either acute or chronic.

Acute fatigue results from short term sleep loss or from short periods of heavy physical or mental work. The

effects of acute fatigue are of short duration and usually can be reversed by sleep and relaxation.

Is Fatigue a Workplace Issue?

Fatigue levels are not easily measured or quantified therefore it is difficult to isolate the effect of sleepiness

on accident or injury rates. The concern is that the effects of increased fatigue or sleepiness will contribute

to accidents. While this concern seems logical, it is not clearly supported with evidence. In general sleepiness

is usually regarded as having some impact on work performance. Most incidents occur when people are more

likely to want sleep – between midnight and 6 am, and between 1-3 pm. And indeed, sleep deficit has been

linked to large scale events such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the nuclear incident at Chernobyl.


What Are the Signs of Fatigue?

Signs and symptoms of fatigue include:

• Tiredness

• Sleepiness, including falling asleep against your will

• Irritability

• Depression

• Giddiness

• Loss of appetite

• Digestive problems

• Increased susceptibility to illness

TASK 1 – This task needs to be completed and placed in your Portfolio

of Evidence.

What other signs and symptoms can you think of?

This Task is aligned to 259621, Specific Outcome 1.

What Are the Effects of Fatigue and Their Relationship to Work?

Again, fatigue and sleepiness cannot be easily "measured" so it is difficult to pinpoint their effect on accident

rates or incidents in the workplace.

However, studies report the effects of fatigue as:

• reduced decision-making ability

• reduced ability to do complex planning

• reduced communication skills

• reduced productivity / performance

• reduced attention and vigilance

• reduced ability to handle stress on the job

• reduced reaction time - both in speed and thought (a few studies have shown this effect as similar to

being legally drunk)

• loss of memory or the ability to recall details

• failure to respond to changes in surroundings or information provided

• unable to stay awake (e.g., falling asleep while operating machinery or driving a vehicle)

• increased tendency for risk-taking


• increased forgetfulness

• increased errors in judgement

• increased sick time, absenteeism, rate of turnover

• increased medical costs

• increased accident rates

What Are Some Causes of Fatigue?

There are many, many causes of fatigue.

Work-related factors may include long work hours, long hours of physical or mental activity, insufficient

break time between shifts, inadequate rest, excessive stress or a combination of these factors.

Sometimes, a sleep disorder may cause fatigue. You should ask your doctor or health professional for more

information. These conditions include:

Insomnia

People who suffer from insomnia often complain that they cannot fall asleep, or cannot stay asleep for a full

night. They may frequently wake up during the night, wake up too early, not able to fall asleep at night, or

have difficulty getting back to sleep if woken. Either way, they do not feel rested. Insomnia can be both short

term (in response to a stressful event or change in environment) or long term.

Sleep Apnoea

Most cases of sleep apnoea are caused by a condition called "Obstructive Sleep apnoea". Sleep apnoea is a

breathing disorder in which there are brief interruptions (lasting a minimum of 10 seconds) in breathing

during sleep. This condition is caused by a narrowing (or collapse) of the throat or upper airway during sleep.

This narrowing restricts or prevents breathing while you are sleeping (air cannot flow into or out of your nose

and mouth even though your body continues to try to breath). With sleep aponia, there are frequent

interruptions to sleep making your sleep unrestful. People often complain of early morning headaches and

excessive daytime sleepiness.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea include:

• chronic, loud snoring

• gasping or choking while sleeping

• excessive daytime sleepiness

• personality changes or difficulties thinking

Restless Legs Syndrome

With restless legs syndrome, people report sensations of creeping, crawling, pulling, or tingling which cause

an irresistible urge to move their legs. This phenomenon usually happens as a person is trying to fall asleep,


making sleep difficult. Movements may also occur during sleep, partially waking the person (even though

they might not "notice") and disrupting sleep patterns.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a rare condition associated with sudden sleep "attacks" where a person will have an

uncontrollable urge to sleep many times in one day.

Other Situations

Substances such as nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can affect the quality of sleep. Caffeine can remain in the

body for about 3 to 7 hours and may affect sleep. Alcohol may shorten the time to fall asleep, but it disrupts

later in the night. Nicotine also can disrupt sleep and reduce total sleep time.

Other substances such as over-the-counter medications or prescriptions may also affect sleep. For example,

long-acting benzodiazepines (drugs used to relieve anxiety or insomnia) may contribute to daytime

sleepiness.


of Evidence.

Conduct a bit of research into the effects of specific medical conditions and prescribed

medication and how these have an impact on sleep patterns.



LESSON 2

Preventing and Managing Fatigue This Learning Unit is aligned to US 259621 Specific Outcome 2:

Describe means of preventing fatigue.

This Learning Unit comprises the theoretical component of your learning and includes activities that are class-based and of a formative nature.

After completing this Lesson, you should be able to:

✓ Explain healthy eating plans on prevention of fatigue

✓ Explain exercise and relaxation on prevention of fatigue

✓ Manage the causes of fatigue


of Evidence.

Using the previous section as reference – how do you think fatigue can be prevented?


How Much Sleep Do People Need?

It varies, but on average studies say we need at least 7.5 to 8.5 hours every day. Studies have reported that

most night workers get about 5 to 7 hours less sleep per week than the day shift. (And in an ironic twist, you

can accumulate a sleep "debt", but not a surplus!)

Humans follow an "internal" or "biological clock" cycle of sleep, wakefulness, and alertness. Although these

"circadian" rhythms are influenced by external clues such as the sun setting and rising, it is the brain that sets

your pattern. Most cycles are 23-25 hours long and there are natural dips or periods when you feel tired or

less alert - even for those who are well-rested.


How Can I Get a Better Sleep?

Prevention

If you suspect you may have a medical condition that interferes with your sleep, go to your doctor and have

any concerns investigated.

Sleep Hygiene

There is no one way to get a good sleep - what works for one person may not work for another. In general,

suggestions include:

• Go to bed and get up at the same time every day

• Exercise regularly

• Use your bed primarily just for sleeping (e.g., do not read or do office work in bed)

• If you are not sleepy, do not try to go to bed. Get up and read or do something quiet instead

• Avoid caffeine, tobacco or alcohol - especially before bed time

• Turn off the telephone ringer and answering machine speaker

• Ask family members to be respectful if one person is sleeping. Family members can use headphones

for the TV and radio if necessary

• Make the room as dark and quiet as possible. Use heavy, dark curtains, blinds, or a sleeping eye mask.

Soundproof the room where possible or use ear plugs

• Most people sleep better when the room is cool. Consider using an air conditioner in the summer

months

What are some tips for "good" eating habits that help encourage sleep?

The Dietitians of Canada have made the following recommendations:

Establish Regular Eating Times

Our bodies need energy provided by food to be able to perform our daily activities. Having meals at regular

times is important to function at our best. If you tend to skip meals or eat at irregular times, you may

experience fatigue, food cravings or increased eating at the next meal. Aim to have at least three meals a day

including a variety of foods from the four food groups of Canada's Food Guide.

Snack Ideas for Your Work Break(s)

Having snacks in between meals is a great way to keep us nourished and give us the energy we need to

complete our work shifts. At breaks, opt for healthy snacks that include combinations from a variety of foods

from the four food groups. Here are some ideas:

• crackers and cheese

• social tea cookies and milk

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/nutrition/index.html


• yogurt and a small low-fat muffin

• celery sticks with peanut butter

• baby carrots with low fat cream cheese dip

• cut up fresh fruit mixed with plain yogurt

Check your Caffeine Intake

Excessive intake of caffeine can cause insomnia, headaches, irritability and nervousness. It is recommended

that foods containing caffeine should not be consumed five hours before sleeping.

Common caffeine sources include:

• coffee

• tea

• iced tea

• cola drinks

• chocolate

• headache relievers

Alternatives:

• decaffeinated coffee or tea

• non-cola beverages

• water

Snacks for sleeping well

Going to bed with an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal can interfere with sleep. If you get

home hungry, have a snack that is low in fat and easy to digest. A light snack before going to bed helps in

getting a good restful sleep. Examples include:

• cereal with milk

• fresh fruit and yogurt

• oatmeal with raisins

• digestive cookies and milk

• piece of toast with a small banana

• multigrain bagel, toasted and lightly buttered

What are some tips if driving?

The best advice is to not drive if you are tired. However, some tips include:


• Keep vehicle well ventilated

• Avoid caffeine or other drugs to keep you awake (you will feel very tired when they wear off)

• Listen to the radio (especially "talk" radio)

• Eat lightly and avoid heavy fatty foods

• Stop often (about every two hours). Take a walk and get some fresh air

• Change drivers if you are travelling with others

How can a workplace help keep workers "alert"?

Fatigue is increased by:

• dim lighting

• limited visual acuity (i.e., due to weather)

• high temperatures

• high noise

• high comfort

• tasks which must be sustained for long periods of time,

• work tasks which are long, repetitive, paced, difficult, boring and monotonous

Workplaces can help by providing environments which have good lighting, comfortable temperatures, and

reasonable noise levels. Work tasks should provide a variety of interest and tasks should change throughout

the shift.

If extended hours/overtime are common, remember to consider the time required to commute home, meal

preparation, eating, socializing with family, etc. Workplaces may wish to consider providing:

• on-site accommodations

• prepared meals for workers

• facilities where employees can take a nap before they drive home


of Evidence.

Discuss ways of managing fatigue.



Fatigue Management

Fatigue management is a shared responsibility between management and workers as it involves factors both

inside and outside of work. Employers and persons conducting a business or undertaking are responsible for

using a risk management approach to manage fatigue.

A number of industries deal with fatigue related matters including:

• Assisting maritime client with shift design and rosters

• Reviewing major transport incidents which involved fatigue

• Development of Fatigue Related Training Courses

What Can Employers Do to Manage Fatigue?

Extended Hours of Work

Extended work hours can affect the amount of time available for adequate sleep opportunity. It is important

to monitor the amount of hours workers are doing each day. You can ensure workers aren’t required to work

unnecessary extended hours by:

• ensuring sufficient cover for workers who are on annual or sick leave

• if overtime is necessary, plan for it so workers can schedule their activities around it

Where overtime is concerned:

• Limit overtime to 4 hours for 8-hour shifts

• Limit overtime to 2 hours for shifts longer than 10 hours.

• Do not allow overtime for shifts longer than 12 hours.

• Limit total hours per week to 55.

• Have a policy on second jobs – ensure that the worker understands the obligation to get sufficient sleep

and to be fit for duty.

Shift work

Shift work can be a contributing factor in work-related fatigue. Ensure the roster provides for a continuous 7

to 8 hours sleep in each 24 hours, and at least 50 hours sleep for every seven days.

If on a rotating three shift roster system, forward rotation (day, afternoon to night shifts) is tolerated better.

When determining your work schedules:

• Limit number of consecutive night shifts to four to minimise accident risk


• End night shifts by 8am

• Ensure there is a minimum of 12 hours between consecutive shifts

• Ensure that roster allows for at least two full night’s sleep after the last night shift

• Allow short naps of no longer than 15–20 minutes if it fits in with the type of work that is being done

• Consider whether 12-hour night shifts are really necessary

• Use additional control measures, such as two hourly breaks of at least 5 to 10 minutes duration

• Have a room for workers to sleep before commuting home

• Encourage healthy eating at work and provide access to healthy food options at work to minimise health

risks

Time of day

Minimise early morning starts before 6am as workers have less time to get adequate sleep – it is very difficult

to go to sleep during the early evening (6–9pm) as our body clocks are set to alertness at that time.

• Avoid more than five consecutive early morning starts

• Encourage carpooling or provide transport

Roster and work design

Consider the following:

• increasing supervision

• allow regular breaks

• length of shifts – depends on physical and mental load of the work

• distribution of leisure time – allow for adequate rest and recovery

• regularity of shift system – allows workers to prepare for work

• previous hours and days worked – the effects of fatigue are cumulative; workers may have sleep debt

due to the length of previous shifts. Giving workers two successive full days off within a seven-day period

allows them to catch up on their night sleep

• type of work being performed – pay particular attention to the level of physical and/or mental effort

required

• time of the day when the work is being performed – avoid safety critical tasks during the early hours of

the morning (3-5am).


Other Factors to Consider When Managing Fatigue

Sleep inertia

Sleep inertia can occur if a person is woken after sleeping for more than 40 minutes. They may be slow to

respond, may feel drowsy and disoriented. It may it may take up to 30 minutes before complex tasks can be

performed efficiently.

This has implications for safety when workers are on-call for emergencies. Suggested measures to control

sleep inertia and the subsequent impairment in work performance include:

• minimising naps taken at work that exceed 40 minutes

• planning for recovery times of up to 30 minutes for workers who may be subject to sleep inertia, before

they are to perform hazardous tasks

Breaks

Time spent away from the work environment allows workers to recover from fatigue and improve

performance, vigilance, safety and efficiency. For this reason, breaks should be taken during work shifts, and

should not be traded for an early finish time.

Occupational exposure levels

Extended working hours increase the risk of exposure to hazards such as noise, heat and chemicals and

should be carefully monitored. National and international exposure standards are usually based on five 8-

hour days per week. Workplaces where extended hours are worked will need to monitor exposure levels.

It is recommended that expert advice is sought in adjusting exposure levels, because the increased exposure

of workers over a 10-hour shift may not be simply 1.25 times the exposure for eight hours. Models need to

be used, to take into account the reduced recovery time after exposure to hazards when extended shifts are

worked. Workplaces should always aim for best practice, to keep all exposures significantly below the

specified standards which will ensure workers are not over-exposed to a hazard.

Manual tasks

The prolonged performance of repetitive tasks without the adequate chance of rest and recovery may result

in an occupational overuse injury. The risk of a musculoskeletal injury occurring may also be increased within

extended shifts due to the cumulative effects of muscle fatigue, strains and sprains. Workers involved in

repetitive manual tasks should have regular breaks.

259621 lg - fatigue in the workplace

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