SMS Perspectives A message on safety management that is periodically e-mailed to Aviation.Org subscribers.

SMS Perspectives dated September 12, 2013

Fatigue Management Essentials. A recent Cockpit Concepts1 outlined the conditions pilots should consider with regard to personal fatawake; (2) Time of day; and, (3) Time on duty. This issue of SMS Perspectives expands this view tdescribes the essential factors related to employee fatigue.

Today flight departments are challenged with designing and implementing policies and procedures t

fatigue. The type and nature of each department’s operations will determine the requirements of thnecessary to have an insight into the essential considerations that need to be evaluated when develmanagement program.

One thorough summary of fatigue-related factors is found in a white paper, “The Myths & RealitiesWilliam G. Sirois. Borrowing liberally from this deliberative report we obtain a comprehensive listingaccompanied by a correspondingly brief description of each. The factors, as presented by Mr. Sirois,

1. Circadian (Body Clock) Factorsa. Working when you would normally be asleepb. Sleeping when you would normally be awakec. Frequently having to change your sleep/wake cyclesd. Misalignment of daily alertness cycles with work requirements

2. Sleep Factorsa. Inability to get normal hours of sleepb. Inability to get normal quality of sleepc. Inability to get consistent bedtime routinesd. Having inadequate sleep environment

** The circadian (body clock) and sleep factors are inherent.** Human biology has been “hardwired” since the beginning of humankind.** Development of electricity in the 1880s compromised our physiological 'design specifications.'** This 'state of being' was unknown to our primitive ancestors and negatively impacts our perform

3. Work and Environmental Factors

a. Having early start timesb. Having fast rotating schedules and/or long, irregular hoursc. Having inadequate rest/recovery timed. Having boring/monotonous work environment

** Work and environmental factors are influenced by counter-productive management attitudes.

** Policies, practices and operating procedures often detract from human performance, rather than** Lack of human factors knowledge/understanding confuses human physiology with human behavi

4. Health Factorsa. Medical sleep disorder problemsb. Underlying health issues (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.)c. Improper timing and content of foodd. Use/abuse of coping substancese. General lifestyle issues

** Health factors present inherent safety issues.

** There is a need to manage fatigue and alertness levels.

 

** There is a lack of employee knowledge and understanding.** Performance reduction also results.

 “What is Fatigue?” Mr. Sirois answers: ** Fatigue is not just feeling physically tired, it’s also a state of impaired alertness, attentiveness,

performance.** Being fatigued also includes having reduced motor coordination, and slower reaction time.** When we are fatigued, there is a loss of environmental awareness, impairment of cognitive/logic

 judgment and diminished ability to communicate and/or process communications and information (sintoxicated).

With this understanding of the nature of fatigue, Mr. Sirois describes its consequences:** Due to the reduced or impaired alertness caused by fatigue, the inevitable net result is increasedreduced ability to work safely and productively.

** Fatigue also affects mood. People who do not get enough sleep are more likely to get impatientirritability and stress negatively influences personal, work, and family relationships.** Fatigue results in reduced productivity and customer service quality, reduced operating reliabilityrisks, and liabilities.

An inclusive Safety Management System will incorporate a process designed to mitigate the risk ass

numbered factors. Mr. Sirois’ report concludes with a section titled “Installing an Effective Fatigue Ri(FRMS)” and in future SMS Perspectives we will call on his expertise as well as documents from othguidance with regard to incorporating FRMS.

--Bob Jenney (rmj@aviation.org)

1Fatigue: Pilot Speak, Cockpit Concepts, June 20, 2013.2Please visit the Circadian company website, http://www.circadian.com, for fatigue information and

Myths & Realities of Fatigue, by subject expert William G. Sirois.