Fatigue Management policy template
Addresses fatigue risks from shift work, long hours or demanding roles. Covers rostering practices, rest breaks and employee responsibilities for fitness for duty.
Fatigue management policy
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Why fatigue management matters
Fatigue is a significant workplace hazard. It impairs judgment, slows reaction times and increases the risk of errors, injuries and accidents. For shift workers and those in 24/7 operations, the risk is particularly acute.
Under WHS law, employers must identify and manage fatigue risks. This includes implementing appropriate rostering practices, providing adequate rest breaks and ensuring workers understand their responsibility to arrive fit for work.
A documented fatigue management policy demonstrates your organisation's commitment to preventing fatigue-related incidents and creates a framework for safe work scheduling.
Key elements of a fatigue management policy
What your fatigue policy should include
Fatigue risks
Identification of fatigue hazards from shift work, extended hours and demanding roles.
Rostering limits
Maximum shift lengths, consecutive days and minimum breaks between shifts.
Rest requirements
Mandatory rest periods, sleep breaks and time off between roster cycles.
Worker responsibilities
Employee obligations to manage fatigue and report when unfit for duty.
Reporting fatigue
Clear process for workers to raise fatigue concerns without fear of reprisal.
Support measures
Resources and assistance available to workers experiencing fatigue issues.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive fatigue management framework
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Understanding fatigue
Definition of fatigue and its impact on health, safety and performance.
Risk factors
Work patterns, shift types and other factors that contribute to fatigue.
Rostering practices
Maximum hours, shift rotation principles and scheduling controls.
Rest period requirements
Minimum breaks within shifts, between shifts and days off requirements.
Worker responsibilities
Employee obligations for fitness for duty and fatigue self-management.
Reporting concerns
How to report fatigue issues and what happens after a report.
Support & assistance
Access to health services, schedule adjustments and other support.
Monitoring & review
Tracking fatigue incidents and reviewing rostering effectiveness.
Continuous improvement
How the policy and practices are updated based on findings.
Who should use this template?
Essential for shift work and extended hours operations
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian WHS requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, industry and specific work patterns. For high-risk or complex operations, seek independent WHS professional advice.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with official Australian workplace health and safety requirements.
Ready to manage fatigue risks?
Download our comprehensive fatigue management policy template and protect your workers from fatigue-related harm. Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
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This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.