Long shifts, high-pressure jobs, and tight deadlines—welcome to high-risk industries like construction, oil & gas, transportation, and manufacturing. While these jobs keep Calgary’s economy running, they also come with a hidden danger: fatigue.
Fatigue might sound like a minor issue, but it’s actually a leading cause of workplace accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Workers operating heavy machinery, driving long-haul trucks, or working at heights can’t afford to be drowsy—but without the right fatigue management strategies, exhaustion can hit hard.
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we help businesses recognize fatigue hazards, implement control measures, and stay OH&S compliant to keep workers safe, alert, and productive.
Let’s dive into how fatigue affects safety, productivity, and your bottom line—and what you can do about it.
Fatigue is more than just being tired—it’s a state of mental and physical exhaustion that reduces a worker’s ability to function safely.
Key causes of workplace fatigue include:
Fatigue & Workplace Safety Research: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/fatigue.html
A fatigued worker is a dangerous worker. Studies show that being awake for 17+ hours has the same effect on reaction time as a 0.05% blood alcohol level—after 20+ hours, it’s equal to 0.08% BAC (legally impaired driving level)!
Top Fatigue-Related Workplace Risks:
Transportation & Trucking
Commercial Driver Fatigue Regulations: https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/driver-fatigue-management
Construction & Oil & Gas
Fatigue Risks in Oil & Gas: https://www.ohscanada.com/fatigue-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry/
Manufacturing & Industrial Work
Manufacturing Fatigue Risks: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/standing_fatigue.html
1. Create Fatigue Management Policies
Fatigue Policy Development Guide: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/health-safety-manuals/fatigue-management-guide
2. Implement Work-Rest Schedules
Work-Shift Best Practices: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/fatigue_shiftwork.html
3. Monitor Fatigue with Wearable Tech & Safety Systems
Fatigue Monitoring Technology: https://www.niosh.gov/ohs-monitoring-tech
4. Educate & Train Employees on Fatigue Awareness
Fatigue Training Programs: https://www.fatiguekit.com/
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses manage workplace fatigue risks and stay OH&S compliant.
We Offer:
✔ Fatigue Management Training for employees & supervisors
✔ Shift Scheduling & Work-Rest Policy Development
✔ Fatigue Risk Assessments for High-Risk Jobs
✔ Custom Safety Programs to reduce fatigue-related accidents
Fatigue isn’t simply a matter of feeling tired—it’s a serious and often underestimated workplace hazard that can lead to devastating consequences. Physically and mentally, fatigue affects reaction time, decision-making, memory, coordination, and focus. In high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and energy, these impairments can be the difference between a normal shift and a life-threatening incident. The data is sobering: fatigue is a contributing factor in countless injuries and fatalities across Canadian worksites each year.
Beyond the human toll, fatigue also has a significant financial impact on businesses. Reduced alertness and concentration lead to mistakes, delays, equipment damage, and increased absenteeism. According to national and international studies, fatigue-related incidents cost employers millions of dollars annually in medical costs, downtime, workers' compensation claims, and lost productivity.
Fortunately, these outcomes are preventable. By implementing structured and proactive fatigue management strategies, Calgary businesses can significantly reduce risk and create safer, more productive work environments. These strategies may include scheduling practices that allow for adequate rest, education on sleep hygiene, monitoring of overtime hours, regular wellness check-ins, and clear protocols for recognizing and responding to signs of fatigue in the workplace.
Ready to see the impact on your bottom line? Contact Calgary Safety Consultants for your complimentary consult to explore tailored OH&S solutions that drive real financial results.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!
Fatigue affects reaction times, decision-making, and concentration, leading to increased workplace accidents, injuries, and costly mistakes—especially in high-risk industries like construction, oil & gas, and transportation.
• Long shifts & excessive overtime
• Night shifts & disrupted sleep cycles
• Physically demanding work
• Monotonous tasks that cause mental exhaustion
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
