Railsafety (5-1) Key Risk Factor #1
Railsafety (5-1) Key Risk Factor #1 : The total length of the work shift exceeding 14-16 hours. Education: The first countermeasure that should be utilized in this, and most, cases is education. The role of education cannot be overemphasized. In order for employees to function optimally when involved in situations with a high risk for fatigue they must be fully aware of the effects of fatigue and the ways that they can prepare for fatigue-related situations. Educational programs should cover a number of topics related to the nature of shift work, various types of shifts, biological rhythms of sleep and fatigue, effects of fatigue on performance, sleep hygiene techniques, and general health and wellness issues. The aim of the education program should be to prepare an individual to use their knowledge to obtain adequate sleep and rest prior to going on duty for extended periods. A secondary aim of educational programs will be to ensure that employees have adequate knowledge to use to combat fatigue when they are at work. (5-1A) Time for Sleep: Adequate time off to recover from the effects of extended work hours is needed in order to be able to get needed sleep. It should be noted that simply giving employees time-off may not be sufficient to allow recovery if those time-off hours are daylight hours. Many individuals who have been acclimated to night-time sleep will have difficulty falling asleep during the day. Consequently, there should be sufficient time for the person to actually obtain the needed rest, taking into account the fact that even though a person is off they may not be able to rest. In the case of a work shift exceeding 14-16 hours, it is recommended that there be an opportunity for at least six to eight hours of continuous sleep before beginning the next work period. This also means that, in some cases, a person who has been on a reduced or restricted sleep schedule for several days may need to be more closely monitored. Further, when employees have worked a long shift, they should be given additional time off to recuperate prior to beginning another shift. Should the duty period exceed 19 hours, the best research available suggests that performance decrements are much more likely. Consequently, when this occurs, rest should be made available as soon as possible. Another countermeasure if the duty period exceeds 19 hours, would be to ensure that there are opportunities for the individual to nap for at least 20 minutes - but not to exceed 45 minutes - during the work period. Short naps have been shown to have a very positive effect on performance that can last several hours. Despite the potential negative effects of sleep inertia (i.e. the grogginess typically associated with waking up) the benefits outweigh the negatives. Another point to consider when developing an FMP for long hours of work is the selection of individuals who are properly rested to perform the work.. Choosing individuals who have had at least eight hours of sleep during the 24-hour period before (preferably during night before) the work is to be conducted, will lead to a greater likelihood that they will be able to perform the work adequately. (5-1B) Sleep Hygiene: Appropriate conditions are needed so that a person is able to obtain adequate and restful sleep. For example, darkened rooms and reduced noise will contribute to more restful and recuperative sleep. (5-1C) Diet: The judicious use of over-the-counter food stimulants is also recommended. For example, caffeine is useful in improving alertness. Caffeine is found in any number of common foods and beverages, and employees in high-risk situations should be encouraged to utilize caffeinated foods and chewing gum. Of course, to maximize the positive effects of these foods, it is necessary to utilize them in an effective manner and to consume them so as to achieve the greatest possible benefit. Again, education should be provided to enable persons to use these products wisely. (5-1D) Body Clock: If the work period is going to take place the period of time when the individual is likely to be wide awake then there is no problem. However, if they are going to be working into a period when the circadian clock would likely increase the likelihood of being asleep, additional counter measures such as added monitoring, the need for additional crews, supervision and contact with other people are recommended. There may also be a need for opportunity napping. (5-1E) Activities: Several studies have shown that there is some benefit in trying to remain physically active as a means of warding off sleep. The technique of walking around, talking, or performing various interesting and stimulating duties as a means of counteracting the effects of drowsiness have been shown to be useful. Essentially, short breaks that increase activity are needed to help offset the immediate propensity for sleep. (5-1F) Environment: Whenever possible, positive environmental conditions such as good lighting, proper temperature, and some appropriate noise level, should be maintained. Bright light is more likely to lead to alertness. When trying to fall asleep, the use of white noise or soft and soothing music is recommended. Conversely, sounds that stimulate interest and attention are more likely to lead to alertness
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