Workplace injuries occur for many reasons in California. Sometimes they are due to malfunctions with equipment, safety lapses or simple accidents. In other cases, you could actually be putting yourself in harm’s way due to not getting enough sleep. Fatigue really is a major concern when it comes to workplace safety, according to Safety and Health Magazine.
One thing to note about fatigue is it may not always be related to actual sleep. Dealing with stress or difficult people in the workplace can also create fatigue even if you are well rested. Typically, though, it does come from a lack of sleep, which could be due to family pressures, overworking, long commutes or medical conditions.
Being fatigued can lead to many safety issues. You are not alert. You cannot pay close attention to what you are doing. You may feel brain fog. It can cause you to be forgetful or overlook things. Beyond the general risk of accidents, you could also be placing yourself at risk of long-term health issues.
You should always try to get enough sleep and avoid working too many hours. This can be tough, though, when you are juggling all your responsibilities. It can be even more difficult if you work in an industry that demands long hours. Everyone benefits when workers are not fatigued, so your employer should also be aware of the problem. You need to be alert and fully functioning to stay safe at work. This information is for education and is not legal advice.