Fatigue in construction workers is a hazard often overlooked on the job site, and it impairs their ability to perform duties effectively. Suppose worker fatigue is not arrested in time. In that case, it might lead to accidents or injuries due to mental or physical exhaustion, which negatively affects the schedule and the project’s profitability.
Kanat Sultanbekov on the critical causes of worker fatigue and how it impacts construction projects?
Kanat Sultanbekov is an esteemed construction manager from New York known for his proven track record in leading proactive teams and completing projects in time with the highest safety standards. The construction industry is known for repetitive and high demands that lead to worker fatigue in specific environmental conditions like working in extreme climates of cold and hot temperatures. According to him, the common reasons for worker fatigue include long work hours, working at night, and more workloads.
Besides work, other factors contribute to worker fatigue, including poor sleep or the lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, drug or alcohol abuse, and other medications. The common signs of fatigue are muscle weakness, tiredness, headaches, and the inability to focus on the task at hand.
Poor performance with assigned tasks on the site
Worker fatigue affects performance on the construction site in many ways. The worker cannot be alert, affecting their response or reaction time to their job. Fatigue in workers becomes a threat and is dangerous when working on hazardous construction sites. Muscle weakness in workers cannot perform the tasks as expected, leading to decreased productivity on the job site.
Threats of accidents, injuries, conflicts
Fatigue makes it hard for workers to focus on their tasks and impairs their judgment and ability to make decisions about their work. Exhaustion makes workers careless and costly mistakes occur on the job site. Moreover, tired workers are generally irritable, and disputes or arguments can arise on the site with other workers. Such incidents can impact the team’s morale and motivation, affecting the project’s overall schedule for that day.
Managers should look out for worker fatigue
According to Kanat Sultanbekov, worker fatigue needs to be tackled by project managers to prevent careless or costly mistakes on the job site. Construction companies and employers must be mindful of the adverse effects that are working at night, shift duties, and extended hours on the job site have on their workers. They should ensure their workers are hydrated on the site as dehydration leads to worker fatigue, especially on hot summer days.
Workers should be encouraged to take breaks in extreme hot and cold conditions. They should be well rested before they come to work; if they are sick, they should not be allowed to work on the job site on that day. Project managers should stay alert and look for signs of fatigue in workers so that accidents, injuries, and conflicts can be successfully avoided on the site! Prompt action is very important.
