Workplace accidents prevention and tiredness
September 2005

Lack of sleep is among the most frequent causes of tiredness. Tiredness impairs the ability of concentration, attentiveness and memory. Lack of sleep in the working force is causing a huge burden in terms of human cost, loss of efficiency, productivity and profitability.

Workplace related accidents induce economical cost not only for the individuals affected but as well to the society and health care system. The social repercussions of these accidents are serious and long-term.

Historically there are many examples of how disastrous, tiredness related accidents can be. Some of these accidents have even put humanity in danger. Well known examples include the nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and at the Three Mile Island.

People working on shifts, are more in danger and prone to errors or accidents because of tiredness. Other factors that increase tiredness include stress, overworking, excessive work load, physical ailments and psychological causes such as depression.

It is not rare that two or more factors that increase tiredness coexist. In this manner a vicious circle is created, decreasing productivity, and creating the necessary preconditions for errors, accidents and disasters to happen.

Modern style of life, with increasing demands in our consumer society, obliges increasing numbers of people to work more and sleep less.

To make things worse, many people suffer from sleep related disorders. Snoring, sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome, are common causes of insomnia. The organic as well as the psychological causes of insomnia, add to the burden of tiredness observed at the workplace.

Undoubtedly, we may say that there is an epidemic of tiredness in the world today. Just recall what most of your friends and family often say when they meet you. Overloading, excessive work load, lack of time, lack of sleep, tiredness, are among the main and most frequent complaints of active professionals today.

The problem is there. And it is very serious for everybody. The question is, what can we do about it?

Well this is a matter of personal and collective responsibility. Working people at all levels, from the top level executives and professionals to the factory workers, should always bear in mind that less sleep equals less efficiency and more danger.

Responsible behavior from the individual in this case, is capital for tiredness and lack of sleep related accidents prevention.

Let us not forget that working more than 8 hours a day, is a source of overload and excessive tiredness. A World Health Organization in September 2005, stated in a report that more than 2 million people worldwide die of work related accidents and occupational diseases each year.

It is a matter of individual and collective responsibility, to have a healthy style of life with sufficient good quality sleep, to ensure continuous employee education on matters relevant to workplace safety and increase public awareness. These are necessary preconditions to implement if we want a safer and healthier world for everybody.

Bibliography:

1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    
2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
    
3. World Health Organization
    
4. National Safety Council