NIG/General/TBT-NIG-005

Fatigue Management for Night Shifts

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Fatigue Management for Night Shifts

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-NIG-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Fatigue from night working significantly increases accident and injury risk on site.
  • The body's circadian rhythm means alertness drops to its lowest between 2am and 6am.
  • Fatigued workers make more errors, react slowly, and have impaired judgement.
  • The Working Time Regulations 1998 limit night workers to an average of 8 hours per 24 hours.
  • Employers must offer free health assessments to regular night workers.
  • Shift patterns should allow at least 11 consecutive hours rest between shifts.
  • Driving home after a night shift is one of the highest-risk activities for night workers.
  • Caffeine provides only short-term alertness — it does not replace proper sleep.
  • Heavy meals during night shifts increase drowsiness — light food is recommended.
  • Supervisors must monitor team alertness and stand down fatigued workers.

Why?

Prevent accidentsFatigue-related errors cause serious and fatal injuries on construction sites.
Legal dutyWorking Time Regulations limit night work hours and require health assessments.
Driving riskDrowsy driving after night shifts is a leading cause of road deaths.
Worker healthChronic night work is linked to cardiovascular disease and mental health issues.
Do Don't
  • Get at least 7 hours sleep before starting a night shift.
  • Eat light, balanced meals and stay hydrated throughout the shift.
  • Take scheduled breaks in a well-lit rest area during the night.
  • Report to your supervisor if you feel too tired to work safely.
  • Plan a safe journey home — consider a nap before driving after a shift.
  • Use bright lighting in work areas to help maintain alertness.
  • Rotate demanding tasks and share high-concentration work across the team.
  • Follow the agreed shift pattern and rest period requirements.
  • Use blackout blinds and a cool room for daytime sleeping.
  • Look out for signs of fatigue in your workmates and speak up.
  • DON'T work consecutive night shifts beyond the agreed maximum rotation.
  • DON'T rely on caffeine alone to stay alert through a night shift.
  • DON'T drive home if drowsy — rest first or arrange alternative transport.
  • DON'T eat heavy meals during the shift — they increase drowsiness.
  • DON'T skip breaks or rest periods during the night.
  • DON'T operate plant or machinery if you feel too tired to concentrate.
  • DON'T ignore signs of fatigue in yourself or your workmates.
  • DON'T use phone screens before trying to sleep after a shift.
  • DON'T volunteer for overtime if you have not had sufficient rest.
  • DON'T assume you can push through tiredness — fatigue impairs judgement.

See also: Night Working Safety Awareness | Mental Health and Wellbeing on Site
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