Product Overview

Summary: This Anti Fatigue Measures Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for managing fatigue risks in Australian workplaces. It helps employers identify, control and monitor fatigue-related hazards so workers can perform safely, consistently and in compliance with WHS obligations.

Fatigue is a critical, yet often underestimated, safety risk in Australian workplaces. Long shifts, night work, high workloads, travel, heat exposure and psychosocial pressures can all contribute to reduced alertness, slower reaction times and poor decision‑making. This Anti Fatigue Measures Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, defensible approach to identifying fatigue risks, implementing practical controls and responding promptly when workers show signs of fatigue impairment.

Designed for use across a wide range of industries – including construction, manufacturing, transport, warehousing, mining, utilities and facilities management – this SOP converts WHS duties into clear day‑to‑day actions. It guides supervisors and managers through planning safe rosters, managing overtime, assessing individual and task-related fatigue risks, and establishing escalation pathways when fatigue is identified. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce incidents and near misses linked to fatigue, support worker wellbeing, and demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents, near misses and errors across shifts and work sites.
• Ensure rosters, overtime and shift patterns are planned in line with recognised fatigue risk management principles.
• Support supervisors and managers to recognise early signs of fatigue and apply consistent, fair control measures.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties to manage fatigue as a workplace hazard and meet due diligence obligations.
• Improve worker wellbeing, engagement and productivity through structured rest, recovery and workload management.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• HR Managers
• Rostering and Workforce Planners
• Transport and Logistics Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Manufacturing Supervisors
• Facilities and Site Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Reduced alertness leading to slowed reaction times and poor situational awareness
• Increased risk of vehicle and mobile plant incidents due to drowsy driving or micro‑sleep
• Decision-making errors and reduced coordination when operating machinery or tools
• Manual handling injuries caused by reduced strength, control and concentration
• Heat stress and environmental fatigue compounding physical and cognitive strain
• Psychosocial risks arising from excessive hours, high job demands and inadequate recovery time
• Increased likelihood of slips, trips and falls due to inattention and reduced balance

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Fatigue, Safety-Critical Task, High-Risk Work, Micro‑sleep, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Managers, Supervisors, Workers, HSRs)
• 4.0 Overview of Legal and WHS Requirements for Managing Fatigue
• 5.0 Fatigue Risk Factors and High-Risk Work Activities
• 6.0 Fatigue Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Process
• 7.0 Planning Work and Rosters to Minimise Fatigue
• 8.0 Overtime, Call-Outs and On-Call Work Controls
• 9.0 Breaks, Rest Periods and Recovery Time Requirements
• 10.0 Environmental and Task Design Controls (lighting, heat, workload, automation)
• 11.0 Signs and Symptoms of Fatigue and Early Intervention Guidelines
• 12.0 Step-by-Step Procedure for Managing a Fatigued Worker
• 13.0 Fitness for Work, Self-Reporting and Confidentiality
• 14.0 Driving, Remote Work and Travel-Related Fatigue Controls
• 15.0 Interaction with Psychosocial Hazard Management and Wellbeing Programs
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Toolbox Talk Requirements
• 17.0 Consultation, Communication and Worker Engagement
• 18.0 Monitoring, Reporting and Incident Investigation (Fatigue Indicators)
• 19.0 Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Fatigue Controls
• 21.0 References and Related Documents
• 22.0 Appendices (Sample Fatigue Risk Checklist, Fit-for-Work Questionnaire, Roster Planning Guide, Supervisor Decision Tree)

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risk of Fatigue at Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use