Long Work Hours and Fatigue Prevention
General Safety | 10-15 min
Summary
Worker fatigue from long hours and shift work significantly increases accident risk and contributes to long-term health problems. Research shows that being awake for 17 hours impairs cognitive performance equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, and 24 hours without sleep equals 0.10% - legally drunk. The National Safety Council estimates that fatigue contributes to 13% of workplace injuries. Beyond accidents, chronic fatigue and shift work are linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and reduced life expectancy.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time like alcohol
- Get adequate sleep before work shifts
- Take breaks during long shifts
- Be alert for signs of fatigue in coworkers
- Report if you feel too fatigued to work safely
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.