Posted on: May 23, 2024
Do you know your farmer fatigue risks & how to manage them?
Do you know your farmer fatigue risks & how to manage them?
Farmer fatigue is a complex interplay of physical and mentor factors. They include physical exertion, long work hours, mental stress, sleep deprivation and social isolation.
Even working above 24oC either in the open, a hot cabin or near machinery can increase discomfort and brain stress, studies have shown. Add to that noise and vibration.
And a recent review of more than 6,000 research articles on fatigue in agriculture shows resoundingly it contributes to occupational injuries. Agriculture is among the top three most dangerous global industries.
The importance of fatigue management on farms
Sadly, it may not end well for farmers battling fatigue while working with heavy machinery or flighty livestock on their property.
Complying with fatigue management law and regulations is paramount. There are no shortcuts, but getting on top of your fatigue risk management will bode well for the longevity of your farming operations.
Signs of fatigue
WorkSafe Victoria offers these common signs of fatigue to consider:
- Slower to react
- Reduced co-ordination
- Nodding off or microsleeps
- Irritability
- Frequent colds
- Near misses or making mistakes
- Poor short-term memory or focus
- Low or no energy or motivation, and
- Headaches and dizziness.
In short, it’s more than feeling a bit drowsy; it’s mental and physical exhaustion that shrinks your ability to work safely and effectively. Plus, there are short and long-term health effects, too, says Safe Work Australia.
Tips to avoid fatigue
Keep a step ahead of fatigue with these tips:
- Rotate tasks
- Increase your water intake
- Take structured breaks where possible
- Keep records to review the time you’re putting in and doing which type of tasks, allowing you to review your practices
- Do some simple stretches
- Watch for signs of fatigue in yourself and other workers
- Encourage workers (and remind yourself) to prioritise sleep, limit caffeine and alcohol, but eat healthily (including snacks) and drink water
- Check in with your friends, family, and coworkers
- Set a feasible roster which spells out starting and finishing times, and
- Plan to roster extra help for those busier times.
As well, check out this one-page farming fatigue self-assessment from AgHealth Australia.
Spotlight on farmwork fatigue
South Australian grower Mark Modra is lucky to share his story about farm fatigue. He broke his back after his vehicle rolled over when it hit a lump of road material.
Before that he’d been running ragged, working over five properties spanning 70 kilometres and different local conditions. He’d been trying to replace a valued long-term staffer to no avail, despite advertising across the country.
Mark recovered, and is back on the farm, has now consolidated his operations and restructured. What’s helped is employing and training a young man full time to help.
Dealing with the risks
In your risk register, be sure to include fatigue and how you’ll:
- Identify it as a hazard
- Assess the risk
- Minimise or eliminate that risk where reasonably practical, and
- Monitor and evaluate your control measures.
And be on the lookout for best practice improvements. Australian researchers say they are waiting for evidence-based programs that have been implemented and formally evaluated within an agricultural context nationally or internationally.
Reduce the risk of having to call us about a Workers’ compensation or Accident & Illness insurance claim. Your wellbeing and that of your workers should be your number one priority.
