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Fatigue Management

Fatigue risk assessment

A fatigue risk assessment identifies where tiredness, sleep disruption, or demanding work patterns could cause harm — and evaluates whether existing controls are adequate.

It complements general risk assessment under UK health and safety law and should be reviewed when rosters, contracts, or operational demands change.

When to assess

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Consider a fatigue risk assessment when:

  • Introducing new shift patterns or extended hours
  • Responding to fatigue-related incidents or near-misses
  • Changing roles, locations, or workload intensity
  • Onboarding a new contract or operational area
  • Reviewing controls after organisational change

A practical assessment structure

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  1. Scope — roles, locations, and work patterns covered
  2. Hazard identification — hours, rest gaps, night work, commuting, workload
  3. Who may be affected — workers, passengers, public, contractors
  4. Existing controls — roster rules, rest facilities, reporting, supervision
  5. Residual risk — what remains after controls are applied
  6. Further actions — proportionate improvements with owners and dates
  7. Review date — and triggers for earlier review

Competent person review

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Assessments should be prepared and reviewed by people with relevant knowledge of the operation, fatigue science, and applicable requirements. Software and templates can assist documentation but do not replace competent judgement.

See the fatigue risk assessment template for a starting structure.

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Further research

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HSE and sector guidance on risk assessment methodology will be incorporated with references. This page does not constitute legal or compliance advice.