Basics The guide highlights how fatigue is no longer viewed as the responsibility of the individual but rather is a multi-faceted hazard that requires a multi-faceted approach to manage the risk. According to the guidance note, all Queensland mines are required by legislation to conduct a fatigue risk assessment (see Chapter 5 of the guidance note). It is required for them to develop a fatigue risk management plan that covers managers, professional staff, contractors, workers on planned rosters, workers who perform unplanned overtime and call-outs, and emergency-response personnel.
Commitment Developing and implementing an effective fatigue risk management plan “should begin with making a policy commitment to the effective management of fatigue risks in the workplace and establishing appropriate consultation”, the guidance note says. “Consultation is central to the development and implementation of an effective plan,” it says (Chapter 3). “It is important to identify the roles and responsibilities of persons within the organisation who will have responsibility for developing and implementing the plan”, and to ensure that any control measures introduced are “monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis.” Resources Managers who are responsible for developing a fatigue risk management plan are required by legislation to ensure appropriate resources are made available for its implementation and operation, the guidance note says.
Employers could be obligated under the requirement to hire personnel with an appropriate knowledge and understanding of fatigue, it says.