How Do You Manage Driver Fatigue?

 Looking at the transport industry, it is evident that most drivers are working overtime. And it leads to fatigue. See the number of road accidents that are happening. It is getting worse day by day. Now, the known fact is that physical or mental fatigue is bad for any person. Our brain needs time to regenerate itself. Fatigue is one of the most common reasons for accidents worldwide. And, they don’t seem to lessen. A driver may go for fatigue management, but not before finding out the causes.

Main Causes Of Driver Fatigue - Fatigue Management

The main cause of driver fatigue is lack of sleep. However, it is better to consider several other factors as well. They are:

  • Continuous mental or physical effort can be a primary cause. Whoever said that ‘let us go on a drive and relax’ was wrong. It does not happen that way. A driver needs alertness and mental strength to drive long hours. And, it can get taxing physically as well. Moreover, he should learn to keep his legs stretched for a long time. And, he cannot afford to sleep. 

  • Most drivers complete one trip and start for the next. They do not get any breaks. 

  • Heat and noise are also to be blamed. The pollution is high today. Moreover, it can have huge implications on our health. 

  • If he keeps on driving without breaks, it affects our bio-rhythm as well. He can't get a good amount of sleep later. It is just like jet lag. 

Signs That Your Driver Is Under Fatigue

It is imperative to look for the tell-tale signs of fatigue. Then, the driver should go for fatigue management. Moreover, he will find various avenues today. But he has to identify the symptoms first. It is just like medical treatment. If the driver is under fatigue, he is sleepy in drifting lanes. He is yawning continuously, or his speed varies. As soon as these symptoms come into the focus, send him for fatigue management. It is necessary. 

As an employer, he has a huge role to play here. Make rosters with a great deal of care. Moreover, it is not about just the driver’s life, but also the reputation of the car owner. Always a driver should get a short break in between. Journey planning is the key to avoid accidents. The car owner, as an employer, needs to ensure that the driver is not drinking. It is better to encourage the driver to stay hydrated. It is imperative. 

End Thoughts 

If you are a heavy truck driver, it’s imperative for you to take a fatigue management course under a Registered Training Organization. In this regard, KRTS PTY Ltd is an ideal training provider. The courses cover all the common mistakes that most of the drivers make due to fatigued health. Moreover, the team is always there for your support and to teach you how to deal with such circumstances. The best thing is that you will get these incredible training programs at affordable prices. There are two different types of courses- a. for drivers, b. for schedulers. You can access these Nationally Accredited fatigue management training courses from your computer, phone or tablet anywhere and anytime you have internet access.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Frequently Asked Questions about Basic Fatigue Management

Image
  Are you going to enroll in a BFM course ? Before you join any, have a look at these five frequently asked questions that people often face to make a quick decision.  Top 5 FAQs about Basic Fatigue Management What is basic fatigue management? As the term suggests, Basic Fatigue Management is a shared responsibility between two parties, generally involving management and workers. The process requires both sides to make decisions wisely that allow better work productivity without compromising employee health. Almost all State Governments mandate this approach under the Employee Safety Regulations Act. How is the work time measured? To ensure a correct measurement of the BFM , certain aspects need to be properly calculated. Some of these include: The total duration of driving a commercial vehicle Carrying out other work-related chores Time spent within the operating plant for loading, unloading, refueling, paperwork, repairs, maintenance, etc. However, depending upon the worksite and typ
Read more

How do I get BFM Accreditation?

Image
What are the procedures for getting a BFM accreditation? Similar to other medical practices, BFM , a common form of abbreviation used to refer to Body Fatigue Management, also needs you to be specially trained. Recognized and operated by the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS), you will have to complete all steps one at a time to be properly eligible. Having this accreditation is a personal achievement and offers better judgemental skills when managing your driver's working hours. The schedule arranged by professionals is both safer and more effective when it comes to measuring work productivity. What are the eligibility requirements? The NHVAS follows strict guidelines when it comes to choosing the applicants for BFM accreditations each year. Thus, to be eligible, you need to: Have a compliance management system operating under relevant standards Submit the procedures regulated for the staff to follow under the aforesaid management system Prepare a five-year compl
Read more

Six standards of a Fatigue Management System

Image
  If you are about to take a Fatigue Management course in the near future, make sure, it touches upon the following six factors for sure. Six standards of a basic fatigue management Address the work and resting schedules Often misconceptualized, BFM or Basic Fatigue Management doesn't reduce work hours but helps make work times more flexible. This means rather than sticking to the general work schedule, employers scrutinize the employee's health first and then only create their working hours. This allows drivers to get proper rest before starting their day, avoiding the risks of sudden fatigue while driving or doing other chores. The same rule also applies for individuals performing night hours, as the program restricts consecutively working more than 36 hours. Fitness for Duty Another major milestone that makes the course a must-have for all job types is that it encourages operators and employers never to disregard their employee's health. It is no wonder that an exhaus
Read more