How to Conduct Fatigue-Focused Incident Investigations & Enhance Workplace

Safety incidents are an unfortunate reality in many workplaces, but what often goes underreported are the hidden causes behind these events—fatigue being one of the most significant. Fatigue affects cognitive function, physical performance, and decision-making, all of which can contribute to safety incidents. Conducting a thorough incident investigation that takes fatigue into account is essential for identifying the root causes of safety issues and improving the safety culture within your organization.

In this article, we'll explore how to conduct a fatigue-focused incident investigation, uncovering the role fatigue plays in workplace incidents and the steps you can take to enhance your organization's safety and reduce risk.

Why Fatigue Matters in Incident Investigation

Fatigue is often a silent contributor to workplace safety incidents, and many organizations fail to identify it during investigations. Understanding fatigue's impact on worker performance is key to reducing risk and preventing future accidents. Human fatigue can impair decision-making, decrease focus, slow reaction time, and lead to physical and cognitive errors, all of which are risk factors for incidents in any workplace, from manufacturing floors to transportation to office environments.

Despite its serious consequences, fatigue is often underreported for several reasons, including:

• Self-reporting issues: Employees may be reluctant to admit to fatigue due to fear of negative consequences such as job loss or disciplinary actions.
• Difficulty in quantifying fatigue: Fatigue is a subjective experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all measurement to gauge its severity or impact.
• Lack of awareness: Both workers and supervisors may not recognize the signs and symptoms of fatigue.
• Adrenaline masking fatigue: The adrenaline rush after an incident can sometimes obscure the feelings of tiredness during interviews or investigations.

Understanding the role of fatigue in workplace incidents can help organizations better protect their workers, prevent serious injuries, and avoid costly financial repercussions.