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A NSW Government website

Fatigue management

Helping the mining and petroleum industry evaluate and manage workplace fatigue is an important focus for the Resources Regulator.

What is fatigue?

Fatigue may be defined as a decreased capability to perform mental or physical work, produced as a function of inadequate sleep, circadian disruption or time on task (Brown, 1994)

Why is fatigue such an issue?

Fatigue became an issue in the NSW mining and extractives industry with the introduction of 24-hour operations and the issue was further exacerbated with the introduction of 12-hour shifts. There is growing concern about the effect of fatigue on mine workers and on general road users.

Fatigue management guide

The Fatigue management guide provides guidance on how to prevent worker fatigue and its associated risks. It is intended for use by the NSW mining, extractives, quarrying and petroleum sectors. It draws upon current thinking, reflects good practice and will assist operators and other persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to manage the risks associated with fatigue in the workplace.

Fatigue management guide, guidance for the NSW mining and petroleum industries (PDF, 966.08 KB)

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