Fatigue Risk

Fatigue risk: The roles of

napping, depression and alcohol

Brad Strahan

Psychologist

Brad Strahan & Associates Pty Ltd

Abstract

The present paper continues an exploration of the role of the individual in adding to or reducing fatigue risk within mining operations (see Strahan, 2002, 2003). Results are reported from three survey based investigations conducted during 2008 and early 2009 in two open-cut and one underground operation. The results indicate that (a) depression is a significant issue and linked to fatigue risk; (b) excessive alcohol consumption is linked to increased fatigue risk; and (c), napping is symptomatic of poor and inadequate sleep and poor coping rather than an effective or sustainable fatigue management strategy. The results are discussed in the context of the need for a frame of reference that extends beyond roster design and shift length when considering not only the predictors of fatigue risk, but also the most effective strategies for controlling fatigue risk.

Introduction

It is generally argued that both workplace design factors and individual factors contribute to the fatigue risk of employees in the Australian mining industry. It is likely that these two sets of factors are not discreet but interact to bring about increased fatigue risk. The present study continues a focus on the role of individual differences in fatigue risk (see Strahan, 2002, 2003, 2003b, 2004, 2004b) with a specific focus on napping as a way of managing fatigue, alcohol consumption, and depression and their respective links to fatigue risk.

Level of demand

It is a working assumption that the mining industry requires a continuous operation arrangement that involves night shift. Extended shifts and rosters seem par for the course across the industry. Only a few operations persist with permanent 8-hour shift arrangements. Further, the hours of work per week in the mining industry are well above national average. For example, in 2005...