Fatigue and the HSE Act

Under the law, in particular the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, there are distinct obligations on employers to ensure that its staff and visitors’ wellbeing is protected by ensuring hazards are identified and where possible eliminated or alternatively minimised and/or isolated. Failure by employers to meet their health and safety obligations can result in significant penalties being imposed. Fatigue is one of these potential hazards.

Identify and manage fatigue

Stress and fatigue of employees are hazards that need to be addressed in accordance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (“the HSE Act”). In the unfortunate event of an employer facing an accident or a serious harm incident in which fatigue and/or stress were contributing factors, their health and safety practices will be closely scrutinised by the Department of Labour. Those employers that take the initiative of implementing fatigue and stress programmes to protect their employees’ wellbeing in the work place will put them in a good position to ensure they have met their HSE obligation to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees and/or visitors.

Need a fatigue system?

A fatigue system such as that provided by Safety Hub in assessing fatigue and providing processes to avoid, manage and minimise the effects of fatigue and stress will reduce the risk of a prosecution being commenced and/or reduce their liability under the HSE Act.

For more information have a look at these other fatigue videos or contact us directly (email below) or via the Contact Us page.