POL-010 | Fatigue Management Policy | Version 1.0 | February 2026

Purpose

To manage the risks associated with worker fatigue, which can impair judgement, reaction time, and physical performance — increasing the risk of incidents.

Scope

All workers at [YOUR BUSINESS NAME], particularly those operating forklifts, vehicles, or machinery.

Signs of Fatigue

Difficulty concentrating or staying alert

Slower reaction times

Impaired decision-making

Irritability or mood changes

Microsleeps (brief, involuntary sleep episodes)

Yawning excessively

Responsibilities

Workers must:

Arrive at work fit for duty and adequately rested.

Report to their supervisor if they are too fatigued to work safely.

Not operate forklifts, vehicles, or machinery if fatigued.

Take scheduled rest breaks.

Supervisors must:

Monitor workers for signs of fatigue.

Adjust work schedules if fatigue is identified as a risk.

Not pressure workers to continue working when fatigued.

Management must:

Design work schedules that allow adequate rest between shifts.

Ensure shift lengths and overtime are managed to minimise fatigue risk.

Provide adequate rest facilities.

Controls

Maximum shift length: 12 hours (including overtime)

Minimum rest between shifts: 10 hours

Mandatory rest breaks: minimum 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours

Forklift operators must not operate for more than 2 hours continuously without a break

Related Documents: POL-007, POL-011 | Legislation: WHS Act 2011 (Qld) s.19; Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities