Toolbox Talk: Fatigue & Sleep

Tired workers make mistakes. Get enough sleep, take breaks and speak up when you're too tired.

Prints on one Letter-size page with a sign-in sheet.

First Day Training · Toolbox TalkTime: 5 to 10 minutes

Fatigue & Sleep

Date
Job site / location
Talk leader

Why it matters

Fatigue slows reaction time and judgment, like being impaired. Long hours, night shifts and short sleep raise the risk of injuries and crashes.

Talking points

  • Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep: most adults need that much. Short sleep adds up and can't be fixed with one good night.
  • Know the signs: yawning, heavy eyes, trouble focusing, mood changes, missed steps and microsleeps.
  • Don't rely on caffeine: it helps for a short time but doesn't replace sleep.
  • Take breaks: use breaks to rest, move around and eat, and stay hydrated.
  • Speak up: tell your supervisor if you are too tired to work safely, and look out for coworkers who look worn out.
  • Drive home safely: drowsy driving is dangerous. Nap, get a ride or rest before you drive if you can't stay alert.

Ask the crew

  1. Who worked long hours or night shifts recently?
  2. What tasks today need us to be fully alert?
  3. What is our plan if someone is too tired to work safely?

Before we start work today: Check in with the crew, and move the most critical tasks to times when people are most alert.

Who attended

Source: NIOSH: Work schedules and shift work. General safety information only, not legal advice; follow your employer’s program, the manufacturer’s instructions and current regulations. Keep signed sheets with your safety records. FirstDayTraining.com · Todd Allyn Media Inc.

Learn more: Fatigue, Impairment & Fitness for Duty · Sleep for Shift Workers · Drowsy Driving

Standards & references

Last updated: