By Ganymede
Fatigue Issue 8 - Network Rail Fatigue Standard
In December 2019, Network Railpublished a new standard on Fatigue, it requires compliance by October 2022, which is less than 12 months away now. At Ganymede we have been working towards the implementation of the new standard, making sure our staff and systems are ready for a smooth transition. We have plenty more activities planned over the next 12 months, including hosting some safety stand downs with the workforce to talk openly about fatigue and how to report it.
Fatigue contributes to a great number of accidents and incidents and through better management it is anticipated that this will reduce. Reduced fatigue can also improve staff health, morale and performance. This is why the fatigue standard has been updated.
The new standard uses fatigue triggers to help us manage fatigue more effectively. When these triggers are exceeded (or it looks like they might be), fatigue should be actively managed.
The fatigue triggers are:
Level 1 Fatigue Trigger
Working 60 hours or more in 1 week
Level 2 Fatigue Trigger
Working 72 hours or more in 1 week
General Fatigue Triggers
Working day is more than 12 hours long
Rest period is less than 12 hours
Worked more than 13 consecutive turns of duty in 14 rolling days
Door to door day length (which includes your commute) is 14 hours or more
When a rostered staff member’s FRI fatigue score is 35 or more for a daytime shift or 45 or more for a night-time shift
When a rostered staff member’s FRI risk score is 1.6 or more
Fatigue should also be managed when:
Returning to work after long term sickness or absence (including parental leave)
A fatigue condition has been identified in an occupational health referral
An employee (or group of employees) request a fatigue assessment or a fatigue management plan
Working hours are being amended in relation to reasonable adjustments
Any circumstances that affecting an employee’s ability to get good quality sleep and rest
The standard can’t list every situation that may cause fatigue, as it’s such an individual experience. It’s important to remember that fatigue should be actively managed whenever it is a concern. For example, returning to work after long term sickness or absence (including parental leave).
Look out for our events over the next 12 months, and if you have any concerns about fatigue please contact your local Ganymede office.
If you have any questions regarding the topics covered in our Fatigue series, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our HSEQ team on 0333 011 2048 who will offer you support and guidance.