Forest Operations > Conduct Skidder Operations > Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Requirements

Fatigue

Risk to health and safety may arise because of physical and mental fatigue.

Reduced ability to undertake tasks can result from fatigue.

The tasks affected by fatigue include physical work like operating a feller buncher, skidder, forwarder or chainsaw for long periods and mental tasks such as hazard awareness and following safe working procedures.

Fatigue risk factors result from a number of sources and may include:

• Seasonal limitations set by land owners, (e.g. work has to be completed by certain time frames);
• Delays caused by weather;
• Payment methods (piece work);
• Inadequate crew numbers;
• Lack of sleep;
• Work demands (e.g. the length of time spent on a task).

The only cure for fatigue is sleep!

Reducing risk factors associated with fatigue

• Taking breaks to avoid fatigue during the working day;
• Adopting work practices that reduce unnecessary muscular effort and strain;
• Fluid replacement and nutritious food;
• Schedules that enable the opportunity for 7 to 8 hours continuous sleep.

Fatigue incident that may occur when operating the skidder:

• Damage to standing trees;
• Damage to skidder;
• Damage to other machinery;
• Put other workers life at risk;
• Uncompleted task.