Evolving Regulatory Approaches for Managing Fatigue Risk in Transport Operations

Abstract

Fatigue is a physiological state of reduced performance capability resulting from sleep loss or extended wakefulness, circadian phase, or workload (mental and/or physical activity) that can impair a transport worker’s alertness and ability to work safely. Fatigue is affected by all waking activities, not only those that are work related. Consequently, fatigue management must be a shared responsibility of regulators, employers, and employees. Prescriptive hours-of-service limits, the traditional regulatory approach for managing fatigue, are increasingly being challenged with regard to their effectiveness in delivering safety and their cost to industry. Fatigue risk management systems (FRMSs) are a new regulatory approach that combines advances in the understanding of worker fatigue and accident causation with advances in safety management. FRMSs are data driven, are based on combined scientific and operational expertise, and include processes for monitoring their safety performance and for continuous improvement. Prescriptive hours-of-work limits are familiar and are arguably adequate in circumstances where fatigue-related safety risk is low. On the other hand, economic pressures are expected to continue to push transport companies to maximize use of vehicles/locomotives/vessels/aircraft with minimum safe manning levels. These pressures will drive the need for more tailored and flexible approaches to fatigue management, such as FRMSs.