Fatigue is expressed through a feeling of overtired, with low energy and a strong desire
to sleep that interferes with normal daily activities. In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental
and/or physical exhaustion which reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.
The causes of fatigue include:
- Environmental conditions: Working in harsh and uncomfortable conditions can contribute to fatigue.
- Sleep deprivation: Most of us need an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to fully recuperate from a
regular day’s work, both physically and mentally.
- Changing work schedules: Work schedules which limit the time workers can physically and mentally recover from
work may cause fatigue
- Health factors: A worker’s lifestyle, family responsibilities, health (e.g. insomnia, sleep apnea, some medication.