Morning Start-Up Procedure — Drivers & Crew Leads
Fatigue Management
Purpose
Fatigue is one of the leading contributors to workplace injuries, vehicle collisions, equipment damage, and poor decision-making. The purpose of this policy is to ensure all ValueBrands employees understand the risks associated with fatigue and take appropriate steps to remain fit for duty.
Every employee has a responsibility to report to work physically and mentally capable of performing their duties safely.
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a state of physical or mental exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.
Fatigue can occur from:
- Lack of sleep
- Long workdays
- Physically demanding work
- Heat stress
- Dehydration
- Poor nutrition
- Illness
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Consecutive days without adequate rest
Fatigue can affect anyone regardless of experience.
Why Fatigue Matters
Working while fatigued significantly increases the risk of:
- Vehicle collisions
- Trailer incidents
- Equipment rollovers
- Trips, slips and falls
- Improper lifting injuries
- Poor judgement
- Reduced concentration
- Slower reaction times
- Property damage
- Injury to employees or the public
Fatigue can impair a person’s abilities similarly to alcohol impairment.
Signs and Symptoms
Employees should monitor themselves and coworkers for signs including:
Physical
- Frequent yawning
- Heavy eyelids
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
- Headaches
- Slow movements
- Lack of coordination
Mental
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Poor decision-making
- Delayed reactions
- Missing routine safety steps
Behavioural
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Reduced communication
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Working slower than normal
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee must:
- Arrive at work well rested.
- Get adequate sleep before reporting for duty.
- Stay properly hydrated.
- Eat regular nutritious meals.
- Report illness affecting safe work.
- Notify their supervisor if they are too fatigued to safely perform work.
- Take scheduled breaks.
- Never operate company vehicles or equipment while excessively fatigued.
Employees are expected to remove themselves from safety-sensitive tasks if fatigue creates an unsafe condition.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors should:
- Watch for signs of fatigue.
- Encourage regular breaks.
- Rotate physically demanding work when practical.
- Monitor employees during extreme heat.
- Ensure employees have access to drinking water.
- Stop unsafe work when fatigue is suspected.
- Reassign duties where necessary.
Driver Fatigue
Drivers have additional responsibilities because fatigue greatly increases collision risk.
Drivers must never operate:
- Company vehicles
- Trucks
- Traavy
- Utility trailers
- Equipment trailers
- Commercial vehicles
if they are not fit for duty.
Drivers should stop immediately if they experience:
- Difficulty staying awake
- Drifting within their lane
- Missing exits or turns
- Frequent yawning
- Microsleeps
- Delayed reactions
If fatigue develops while driving:
- Pull over safely.
- Notify your supervisor.
- Rest before continuing.
- Never attempt to “push through.”
Heat and Fatigue
Heat dramatically increases fatigue.
Employees should:
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Take cooling breaks.
- Wear appropriate PPE.
- Use shaded rest areas whenever available.
- Report symptoms immediately.
Heat-related fatigue can quickly progress to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Preventing Fatigue
Employees can reduce fatigue by:
- Sleeping 7–9 hours before work.
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
- Drinking water regularly.
- Eating healthy meals.
- Limiting energy drinks and excessive caffeine.
- Avoiding alcohol before work.
- Exercising regularly.
- Taking scheduled breaks.
- Reporting illness early.
Working Overtime
Additional care must be taken during extended workdays.
Employees should:
- Take regular breaks.
- Monitor their physical condition.
- Stay hydrated.
- Notify supervision if they begin feeling fatigued.
Management may shorten shifts or reassign work if fatigue becomes a safety concern.
Reporting Fatigue
Employees are encouraged to report fatigue without fear of discipline when doing so in good faith.
If you believe fatigue is affecting your ability to work safely:
- Stop work if necessary.
- Inform your supervisor immediately.
- Do not continue operating vehicles or equipment until it is safe to do so.
- Follow supervisor instructions regarding rest, reassignment, or transportation.
Safety always takes priority over productivity.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Action
Stop work immediately if you experience:
- Falling asleep unexpectedly
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Repeated mistakes
- Unsafe equipment operation
Report these symptoms immediately.
Related Policies
- Heat Stress & Air Quality
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Vehicle Safety
- Defensive Driving
- Daily Vehicle, Trailer & Equipment Inspections
- Emergency Response Procedures
- Workplace Violence & Harassment
- Incident & Near Miss Reporting
Key Takeaways
- Fatigue is a workplace hazard.
- Never report to work unfit for duty.
- Get adequate sleep before each shift.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks.
- Never drive or operate equipment while fatigued.
- Speak up if you or a coworker show signs of fatigue.
- At ValueBrands, everyone has the authority and responsibility to stop unsafe work caused by fatigue.