WORKSAFE Victoria has published a handbook for managing fatigue in the mining and earth resources industry.
The publication will help mine operators and workers in the earth resources sector comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (OHS Regulations).
Fatigue results from physical or mental exhaustion, and can also be caused by inadequate or disturbed sleep. It is a health and safety risk, as it can prevent the proper functioning of workers.
Occupational health and safety laws state mine operators must develop and implement strategies to control such risks.
The handbook will look at how employers can conduct risk assessments which take into account the risks associated with fatigue, apply adequate control measures against fatigue, and consult with employees to manage fatigue.
Employees can also use the handbook to recognise what fatigue is, the factors which can contribute to the condition, and find the strategies which will allow them to manage their non-work activities to prevent fatigue.