Running on Empty: Tackling Fatigue to Protect Construction Workers
Understanding Fatigue in Construction
Fatigued worker wipes brow.
Fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it’s a state of physical and mental exhaustion that can impair a worker’s ability to think clearly, react quickly, and perform tasks safely. In construction, where precision, coordination, and constant situational awareness are essential, even a brief lapse in focus can lead to serious injury or worse. Fatigue undermines these critical capabilities by reducing alertness, slowing decision-making, and increasing the likelihood of errors. Unlike visible hazards such as exposed wiring or falling objects, fatigue is invisible and often overlooked, making it a silent but dangerous threat to jobsite safety.
Common Causes of Fatigue on the Jobsite
Fatigue in construction results from a mix of physical, mental, and environmental stressors that build up over time. A primary factor is long shifts and extended work hours. Construction projects often face tight deadlines, which force workers to endure long workdays, night shifts, or back-to-back shifts with little recovery time. This constant pressure drains energy levels and disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to stay alert and focused.
Insufficient rest or sleep worsens the problem. Sleep is the body’s main way to recover, and without 7–9 hours of quality rest, cognitive functions like memory, attention, and decision-making start to decline. Long-term sleep deprivation can even cause microsleeps—short, involuntary lapses in attention that can be dangerous in high-risk settings like construction sites.
The physical requirements of construction work also play a significant role. Tasks like lifting, climbing, bending, and operating heavy machinery put considerable strain on the body. Without adequate rest and recovery, muscles become tired, which decreases strength, coordination, and endurance—essential elements of safe work performance.
Environmental stressors such as extreme heat, loud noise, and constant vibration add to fatigue. These conditions force the body to work harder to stay balanced, especially when protective gear adds weight or restricts movement, leading to quicker physical and mental exhaustion.
Finally, mental strain from complex or repetitive tasks can cause cognitive fatigue. Construction work demands sustained focus, whether it’s reading blueprints, calculating measurements, or staying aware of the surroundings. Over time, repetitive or mentally demanding tasks can reduce the brain’s efficiency, raising the chance of mistakes.
In such environments, behavior is essential. When workers drive safely, follow protocols, and treat others with respect, they help build a safety-first culture. Positive actions set the tone for the whole team, and others are more likely to follow when safety is consistently demonstrated.
The Alarming Statistics
Now that we have explored the causes, let's look at the real-world impact. Fatigue isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a measurable hazard that affects safety, productivity, and profits. According to the National Safety Council, fatigue accounts for about 13% of all workplace injuries, meaning nearly one in eight incidents could be prevented by managing fatigue-related risks.[1] In high-risk settings like construction, this leads to thousands of avoidable injuries each year.
A study by AXA XL found that every construction worker surveyed had at least one fatigue risk factor.[2] These included long or irregular shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to environmental stressors like heat and noise. This shows how widespread the issue is—fatigue isn’t just limited to a few people; it’s a key part of construction work.
Beyond safety, fatigue also impacts productivity. Employers lose between $1,200 and $3,100 per employee each year due to performance decreases caused by fatigue.[3] Across industries, this totals a staggering $136 billion in lost productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare costs.
In 2023 alone, the construction industry reported 167,600 nonfatal injuries, with 40% resulting in days away from work.[4] Many of these incidents arise from fatigue-related causes such as overexertion, slips, trips, falls, and mishandling of equipment. These injuries not only threaten workers but also disrupt project timelines and increase insurance and compensation costs.
Fatigue Management Strategies in Construction
Effectively managing fatigue in construction begins with smart scheduling. Limiting shift lengths to 8–10 hours whenever possible helps decrease physical and mental strain. Avoiding consecutive night shifts or early morning starts and ensuring workers have at least 12 hours of rest between shifts allows for proper recovery. Rotating workers between physically and mentally demanding tasks also helps balance the workload and reduce fatigue buildup.
Encouraging rest and breaks is another key strategy. Enforce mandatory break policies during long shifts, and make sure rest areas are quiet, shaded, and comfortable to support real recovery. Even brief microbreaks of 2–5 minutes throughout the day can significantly reduce overall fatigue and improve focus.
Promoting sleep health is crucial. Workers should learn about the importance of quality sleep and good sleep hygiene habits. Employers can provide resources or referrals for those with sleep disorders and consider flexible schedules for those suffering from chronic fatigue or sleep issues.
Monitoring workload and environmental conditions is also essential. Using checklists or tools to evaluate fatigue risk factors—such as heat, noise, and repetitive tasks—can help determine when adjustments are necessary. During extreme weather or high-stress periods, workloads should be adjusted accordingly, and hydration and nutrition support should be easily accessible on-site.
Training and awareness are essential for effective fatigue management. Supervisors and workers should be educated to identify signs of fatigue, such as slowed reactions, irritability, and forgetfulness.
Creating a culture where reporting fatigue is encouraged and not stigmatized helps ensure early intervention. Fatigue awareness should also be included in toolbox talks and safety briefings.
Technology can support these efforts. Wearable fatigue monitoring devices, where feasible, can provide real-time data on worker alertness. Digital scheduling tools can track hours and flag potential overwork, while apps that help workers monitor sleep and alertness levels can empower individuals to manage their own fatigue risks.
Finally, leadership commitment is crucial. Management must treat fatigue as a serious safety issue, not just a productivity concern. Leading by example, modeling healthy work-rest habits, and including fatigue risk in incident investigations and safety audits reinforces its importance across the organization.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Fatigue is a silent threat that doesn’t give warning, but its effects are loud and clear. As safety leaders, supervisors, and crew members, we all share responsibility in recognizing and reducing fatigue on the jobsite. Begin by reviewing your team’s schedules, encouraging open discussions about rest and recovery, and incorporating fatigue awareness into your safety procedures. Minor adjustments, like smarter shift planning, stricter break enforcement, and sleep education, can have a significant impact. Let’s commit to creating a culture where rest is valued, fatigue is controlled, and safety is always a priority.
[1] https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/fatigue/fatigue-reports
[2] https://axaxl.com/fast-fast-forward/articles/fighting-fatigue-in-the-construction-industry
[3] https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/fatigue/cost-of-fatigue-at-work
