Reducing workplace injuries and fatigue this festive season

Increased workloads in the busy lead-up to Christmas can lead to fatigue and injury, making it important for employers to prioritise safety during the festive season.

WorkCover Queensland is keen to work with employers to help them reduce injuries, which will keep claims costs down and may also help to reduce their premiums.

The conditions most conducive to workplace injuries include increased workloads, cutting corners as businesses try to complete jobs to tight deadlines and fatigue due to months without a break.

Musculoskeletal disorders, otherwise known as ‘sprains and strains’, are the most common type of occupational injuries that result in lost time, medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Employers should therefore be wary about their staff lifting, carrying or putting down objects, manual tasks that require repetitive movement or awkward postures, and trips and falls.

In addition, employers can take steps to manage fatigue in the workplace. These include limiting extended hours of work and avoiding unnecessarily long shifts, ensuring rosters allow for a continuous seven to eight hours’ sleep every 24 hours, with at least 50 hours’ sleep for every seven days, minimising early morning starts before 6 am and avoiding safety-critical tasks during the hours of 3 am to 5 am.

Safe Work Australia’s Managing the risk of fatigue guide features case studies which provide examples of ways to manage the risk of fatigue in particular industries, including transport, manufacturing, health and emergency services.

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