How to Reduce Worker Fatigue for Forklift Drivers

It’s fair to say that at some point, everyone that has ever worked a day in their life has been tired or fatigued on the job. It’s just inevitable; there will be a day that you’re tired on the job, no matter the reason. This is especially important to keep in mind for forklift drivers. Knowing how to reduce worker fatigue for forklift drivers will help keep the business moving forward, reduce the risk of on-the-job injuries, and increase production and employee morale.

Know the Signs

Being able to spot the signs of worker fatigue before it becomes a problem will help combat it. When you see the signs, take some time to talk to the employee and find out what is causing their tiredness. Discuss with them why getting good rest is important. A tired worker will exhibit some of these symptoms: irritability, reduced hand-eye coordination, muscle soreness or weakness, dizziness, and cognitive problems, including memory loss and trouble concentrating.

Know the Cause

Several factors cause worker fatigue, and top of the list is too little sleep or interrupted sleep over an extended period. Long work hours and irregular, graveyard shifts interrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm. The body is hardwired to sleep at night, and when that is disturbed by work, it grinds workers down. As an employer, there isn’t much you can do to help your employees sleep better other than to educate them on its importance and how to improve it.

Give Them a Break

There are federal laws that regulate the amount, frequency, and duration of breaks in the workplace, so you must adhere to those. But if you know your employees are running out of energy, give them an extra break when necessary. In a fast-paced, physical environment, safety is paramount, and a tired worker will be less focused on what they are doing. For example, forklift drivers must follow safety pointers when carrying a heavy load over rough terrain. If the drivers are fatigued, they won’t have the laser focus to make sure they don’t drop and damage the load, crash the forklift, and hurt themselves or others. Give them all a break to increase alertness and productivity and to keep safety a priority.