OCC/General/TBT-OCC-008

Fatigue and Working Hours

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Fatigue and Working Hours

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-OCC-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Fatigue is a significant but overlooked cause of accidents on construction sites.
  • Long hours, overtime, and consecutive shifts degrade concentration and judgement.
  • The risk of accident increases significantly after 8 hours and doubles after 12.
  • The Working Time Regulations 1998 limit average weekly hours to 48 unless opted out.
  • Even with an opt-out, employers must still manage fatigue and provide rest.
  • Workers must have minimum 11 hours rest between shifts and a weekly 24-hour rest.
  • Driving home after long shifts is a major fatigue-related risk.
  • Physical work, heat, noise, and vibration all accelerate the onset of fatigue.
  • Early starts before 6am and work past 8pm carry higher accident risk.
  • Supervisors must monitor alertness and have authority to stand down fatigued workers.

Why?

Prevent accidentsFatigued workers are significantly more likely to make errors causing injury.
Legal complianceWorking Time Regulations set minimum rest periods that must be observed.
Driving riskDrowsy driving after long shifts causes fatal road collisions.
Long-term healthChronic fatigue contributes to heart disease and mental ill health.
Do Don't
  • Plan work schedules to allow minimum 11 hours rest between shifts.
  • Monitor actual hours worked including travel time to and from site.
  • Report to your supervisor if you feel too fatigued to work safely.
  • Take all scheduled breaks and use them to rest, eat, and hydrate.
  • Plan a safe journey home if you have worked a long shift.
  • Rotate physically demanding tasks throughout the day.
  • Track weekly hours and ensure the 48-hour average is observed.
  • Encourage open discussion about fatigue without fear of consequences.
  • Adjust shift patterns during extreme heat or intensive phases.
  • Look out for signs of fatigue in colleagues and raise concerns.
  • DON'T work excessive hours to meet programme deadlines at the cost of safety.
  • DON'T skip rest breaks — they are essential for maintaining concentration.
  • DON'T drive home if drowsy — rest first or arrange alternative transport.
  • DON'T rely on caffeine to mask the effects of insufficient rest.
  • DON'T ignore signs of fatigue in yourself or your workmates.
  • DON'T operate plant or machinery when fatigued.
  • DON'T volunteer for overtime if you have not had adequate rest.
  • DON'T treat the 48-hour opt-out as permission for unlimited hours.
  • DON'T dismiss fatigue as laziness — it is a genuine safety hazard.
  • DON'T penalise workers for reporting that they are too tired to work.

See also: Occupational Health Awareness | Mental Health and Wellbeing on Site
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