Fatigue management in logistics

Logistics combines two distinct fatigue profiles: road transport (governed by driver hours rules) and warehouse/depot shift work (governed by general health and safety duties and working time provisions).

Road transport

Goods vehicle drivers in the UK are subject to EU-retained drivers’ hours and tachograph rules (with GB domestic rules for certain operations). These rules limit driving time and define rest requirements.

However, compliance with drivers’ hours does not address all fatigue factors — including loading, waiting, night driving, and quality of rest away from base. Organisations should consider wider fatigue risk assessment for the full duty cycle.

Warehousing and depots

Warehouse shifts often include nights, weekends, and peak-season extensions. Risks overlap with general shift work fatigue — including quick returns, consecutive long shifts, and physically repetitive tasks.

Practical steps

Map the full worker journey — not only driving or picking windows
Monitor overtime and agency usage during peaks
Engage supervisors in fatigue reporting and roster adjustment
Align depot roster rules with documented controls

Further research

DVSA guidance, HSE logistics resources, and industry codes of practice will be incorporated with citations.