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Reduction in Workplace Fatigue of Workers Planned By 'Safe Work Australia'

by Rukmani Krishna on Oct 8 2012 11:52 PM

 Reduction in Workplace Fatigue of Workers Planned By
According to a proposal in Australia, bosses will have to schedule jobs around their workers' social lives and check that staff who yawn or daydream are not too tired to work safely.
The proposals are contained under national laws and have been drawn to fight workplace fatigue.

Employers are furious they will be turned into the 'yawn police' under Safe Work Australia's draft code of practice for workplace fatigue.

The government agency's checklist for employers to spot worker fatigue included headaches, daydreaming, constant yawning, low motivation and moodiness.

According to news.com.au, it has proposed that bosses 'eliminate or reduce the need to work extended hours or overtime' so staff do not get too tired.

The draft code stated that 'safety critical' tasks, such as administering drugs, driving a truck or electrical work, should not be performed in the post-lunch 'low body clock period' of 2pm to 4pm.

"If a worker leaves their job tired and exhausted they may be less able to enjoy out of work activities or could be a danger to themselves and others in the community," the document said.

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"Likewise, if a worker arrives at work unfit for duty due to a lack of sleep, illness or other condition, they may be less productive or could be a danger to themselves and others in the workplace, the code added.

According to the report, the code said that employers should train workers in 'balancing work and personal lifestyle demands'.

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The code of practice, to be finalized next year, will be admissible in court if an employer is charged with breaching workplace health and safety laws, the report added.

Source-ANI


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