Adding Fatigue Impairment into Section 2 .19

Alcohol and drug consumption

Can we add a 2.19 (3) somewhere in the Regulation to recognize the role of fatigue impairment?

Currently in place:

2.19(1) An employer must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a worker does not work while under the influence of alcohol or a drug that impairs or could impair the worker’s ability to perform work safely.

2.19(2) A worker must not work while under the influence of alcohol or a drug that impairs or could impair the worker’s ability to perform work safely.

Rationale: New research is identifying the significant role that fatigue plays in the contribution to workplace injury, as described below:

Causes of fatigue

The most common cause of fatigue is not getting enough sleep or having poor sleep quality. Fatigue can also be caused or intensified by factors related to the workplace task, the work environment, or scheduling, including factors such as the following:

• Repetitive or strenuous tasks
• Temperature
• Noise levels
• Light levels
• Vibration
• Night shifts or being awake between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Extended shifts or overtime
• Irregular shift rotation patterns
• Physically or mentally demanding work

Workplace effects of fatigue impairment

Fatigue reduces a person’s ability to work safely and effectively and increases the risk of injury when workplace hazards are present.

Fatigue can influence us in many ways. Fatigue reduces:

• Alertness and vigilance
• Reaction time and the ability to react appropriately
• Memory and recall
• Ability to make effective and/or quick decisions
• Information processing
• Effective communication