Beating workplace fatigue to improve worker safety

EMC Insurance offers tips to improve worker performance and productivity.

Feeling drained at work? It might be more than just a rough morning—it could be workplace fatigue. Fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy; it’s your body’s response to lack of rest, stress, or overexertion. EMC Insurance breaks down what causes it, how it affects you, and what you can do to stay energized.

What causes fatigue?

Several factors can leave you feeling exhausted:

• Poor sleep: Not getting enough rest or sleeping
  poorly drains your energy
• Overworking: Long hours, shift work, and
  demanding tasks can wear you out
• Substance use: Alcohol, drugs, and even too
  much caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns
• Stress and mental health: High stress and
  conditions like depression can make quality rest
  difficult

How fatigue affects you
Fatigue isn’t just about being tired—it can impact your
performance and safety:

• Slower reaction time: Increases the risk of
  accidents
• Poor decision-making: Impairs judgment and
  focus
• Communication struggles: Makes it harder to
  stay engaged
• Memory issues: Forgetting details or zoning out
  during tasks

How to fight fatigue
Want to feel more alert and productive? Try these tips:

• Stick to a sleep routine: Go to bed and wake
  up at the same time daily
• Create a restful space: Keep your bedroom
  dark, quiet, and comfortable
• Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night
• Limit stimulants: Avoid caffeine and nicotine
  before bed
• Manage stress: Exercise, meditate, or talk to a
  friend to unwind
• Move more: Regular physical activity improves
  sleep and energy levels

Fatigue doesn’t just affect how you feel—it impacts your safety and performance. Prioritizing rest helps you stay sharp, productive, and at your best. Find the latest news, insights, and actionable safety tips—all carefully curated by our team of experts—at emcinsurance.com/losscontrol.

About the author:
Chad Veach, Assistant Vice President – Risk Improvement Innovation at EMC Insurance, works with organizations to address workplace risks and improve safety practices. Reach out to him at Chad.B.Veach@emcins.com to learn more about how you can improve safety and well-being in your workplace