Document Type

Master's Culminating Experience

Publication Date

12-18-2017

Abstract

Background: This study was a review of the (1) consequences that fatigue and sleep deficiency have on the human body, personal safety and safety in the workplace with implications for the construction industry; and (2) factors in the workplace that contribute to worker fatigue.

Methods: A systematic search and review of peer-reviewed articles and gray literature was conducted for sources describing common industry policies, standards and/or recommendations addressing sleep related problems in the workplace.

Results: The contributing factors of fatigue include work-related mental exertion, sleep deficiency and work-related physical exertion. Major work-related effects stem from circadian rhythm disruptions due to shift work, extensive overtime and extended work hours.

Recommendations: Sleep issues in the workplace have been studied for years, yet only a few key industries have implemented policies to control the fatigue-related problems workers face. The reoccurring countermeasures identified in this search and review include: workers naps and breaks; work place policies for length of shifts, overtime and work schedules; education to sleep management to improve sleep practices for labor force and management; and fatigue risk management systems.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Additional Files

Phegley Sleep Presentation December Dec 17.pdf (250 kB)
Presentation


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