HSR Safety focus: Managing fatigue at work

By Melanie Richards, Programs Manager at South Australian Business Chamber

As we head toward the end of the year — a time of increased workloads, deadlines, and personal commitments — it’s important to stay aware of fatigue as a workplace safety risk.

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is more than feeling tired — it’s a state of physical and/​or mental exhaustion that reduces alertness, decision-making, and reaction time.

Common causes include:

• Extended work hours or shift work
• Inadequate breaks or recovery time
• High workload and prolonged concentration
• Sleep disruption or stress
• Personal demands and lifestyle factors

Fatigue can build slowly and may not always be obvious — but it increases the risk of errors, incidents and harm both at work and travelling to and from work.

WHS responsibilities

Fatigue is recognised as a WHS and psychosocial hazard. PCBUs must manage fatigue risks, and HSRs play a key role in consultation and early intervention.

What HSRs can do

• Speak with your work group to identify fatigue hazards
• Raise issues with leaders or through safety committees
• Encourage regular breaks and realistic workloads
• Support incident reporting related to fatigue
• Use escalation options where needed (issue resolution, PINs, cease-work for immediate risk)

What workers can do

• Take breaks and rest when needed
• Prioritise sleep and hydration
• Raise workload or shift concerns early
• Report fatigue risks or incidents

Fatigue management is a shared responsibility — raising concerns early makes a difference.

Build capability

The South Australian Business Chamber offers training to support effective fatigue and psychosocial hazard management, including:

• Fatigue Management (4‑hour program)
• Psychological Safety for Leaders (half-day)
• Psychosocial Safety & Employee Wellbeing

Programs are available in-person, online, or delivered onsite for your team

Check the Training Calendar or contact our Training Team at training@​sabusinesschamber.​com.​au to learn more.

BOOK NOW

Final reminder

Staying alert to fatigue helps keep colleagues healthy and workplaces safe. If you notice fatigue risks — speak up, support each other, and act early.