This is a summary of our eBook - 'Battling Fatigue in the Rail Industry'. To read this eBook in it's entirety click here.
Fatigue poses a significant safety risk within the rail industry, with consequences ranging from accidents to injuries and errors. This critical issue has resulted in an annual average of 36 worker fatalities and a staggering cost of £240 million to the industry since 2017. In addition to this, a shocking 54% of rail staff admit feeling overburdened, with 37% working over 50 hours per week. Alarmingly, 73% consider fatigue as a hazard that goes unnoticed. These statistics underscore the pressing need for both employers and employees in the rail sector to address this concern. This eBook provides insights into fatigue, its causes, consequences, and strategies for prevention, as well as an overview of updated UK fatigue legislation and a case study demonstrating what successful rail fatigue management looks like. It aims to equip workers with a better understanding of rail fatigue, aiding employers and employees in creating a safer and fatigue-free workplace.
Key Takeaways
Causes of Fatigue in Rail Workers
Rail fatigue doesn't result solely from long hours and sleep deprivation. Several underlying factors can trigger this condition, making it imperative to recognise and comprehend these factors for everyone in the workplace. Common causes of fatigue in rail workers include:
It's essential to recognise that fatigue is cumulative. The more fatigued an individual is, the more susceptible they become to further fatigue. Understanding these factors empowers rail workers to better manage fatigue.
Consequences of Fatigue in Rail Workers
Rail fatigue carries severe repercussions for workers, including:
Employer Responsibilities
Employers have an essential role in rail fatigue management within their workforce. They should:
Preventing Fatigue in Rail Workers
Preventing fatigue is paramount in the rail industry to ensure the safety of workers, passengers, and the public. Strategies for preventing rail fatigue include:
If employees experience fatigue regularly, they should consult their manager and consider seeking medical advice for underlying causes.
New UK Legislation and a Successful Implementation
Network Rail's updated Fatigue Risk Management Standard (NR/L2/OHS/003), introduced in October 2022, underscores the significance of fatigue management in the rail industry. Employers must proactively monitor rail fatigue levels and implement a compliant rail fatigue management plan. The plan should be straightforward, incorporating recommended guidelines while allowing flexibility for company-specific needs, such as commute time.
A UK-based rail construction company successfully adapted to the updated Network Rail fatigue standard with the help of Roomex and Weston Analytics. They needed a solution that streamlined fatigue management and accommodation booking. The partnership enabled Roomex, with over 100,000 workforce-ready properties, and Fatigue360, to facilitate a compliant rail fatigue management plan with access to the widest workforce-ready accommodation network available.
Before adopting these tools, this UK-based rail construction company struggled with manual processes involving roster creation and accommodation booking. This resulted in duplicated data and unnecessary time consumption. Roomex and Fatigue360 streamlined these operations, significantly reducing time spent on the process. The integration of these tools simplified data management and empowered employees to allocate more time to critical tasks.
Conclusion
Fatigue is a critical safety concern in the rail industry, but it doesn't have to be a daunting challenge. Understanding the key factors contributing to rail fatigue and the strategies for its prevention is crucial for rail workers, employers, and the entire industry. With updated UK legislation, employers must adopt best-in-class rail fatigue management plans, and various tools are available to make the process more manageable. By following these insights, rail organisations can enhance safety, increase efficiency, and save both time and money while addressing the pressing issue of fatigue in the industry.
This is a summary of our eBook - 'Battling Fatigue in the Rail Industry'. To read this eBook in it's entirety click here.