James Marston, Trainer and Inspector, British Institute of Cleaning Science, reports.
You might feel a little fatigued right now with the shorter days and cooler weather. More of us carry bacterial or viral infections and must keep going despite the fact that our energy levels may be a little low. Fatigue is part of our existence, and the causes are many. The workplace can be a contributor to our busy lives. Frontline cleaning sits high on the physical activity list of jobs, and fatigue is a factor.
Fatigue is often described as a decline of mental or physical performance because of prolonged hard work, loss of sleep or changing sleep patterns affecting our internal clocks.
Is there a problem?
The Health & Safety Executive cited fatigue as the root cause of many significant accidents, including the Clapham Junction rail disaster, Chernobyl, the Texas City oil refinery explosion amongst others. Fatigue is also implicated in 20% of accidents on major roads. Symptoms can be a lack of attention, reduced coordination, underestimation of risk and decreased awareness, amongst others. All these factors will concern management, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
Is the cleaning sector prone to fatigue?
The statistics suggest no more than any other sector. The cleaning sector sometimes requires flexible working by individuals - working late and early, for example. Sometimes, working on different sites or having to make last-minute service cover decisions, which may involve longer, unexpected working hours. Unexpected absence at work can add pressure to meeting our responsibilities. This situation should hopefully be a short-term working practice. Extended pressure and managing excessive workloads will fatigue everyone. Recognising we are not sleeping as well, thinking clearly and tired is a big step to changing habits for a healthier work and home lifestyle.
What are the fatigue busters?
Reducing fatigue is a big win for all. Fatigue busters embedded in our lives will improve our welfare and reduce or even avoid fatigue altogether.
Whether at work or home, planning is key to healthier lifestyles and manageable workloads. Planning your work, sleep and responsibilities in between will lead to success. Goals should be realistic and achievable. Getting seven hours of sleep a night would be nice. Plan your bedtimes and stick to them. Small changes and improvements can lead to big benefits!
The use of technology and better equipment has helped productivity, but also reduced fatigue levels for individuals. Use machines where you can and take the weight off extended manual work.
For some, working a full shift of cleaning is the same as a workout at the gym. Good news! Practical activity is a fatigue buster. Longer periods of physical exercise are good for you as long as you work at a comfortable pace, lift and move items within your capability and get help if it’s beyond your strength to do so.
Mild hydration is often quoted as a factor in fatigue. Plenty of water will reduce tiredness. Less tea and coffee will reduce caffeine levels, allowing better sleep periods and recovery. Keep water close by and maybe reduce your tea and coffee intake. The results might be surprising.
Manage any stress by breaking big tasks into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness techniques, including deep breathing or even short meditation, can disrupt your stress, reducing your levels. I have found quick relief when stress affects my decision-making by taking a moment and breathing deeply.
For individuals, feeling fatigued is hopefully a short-term problem. Recognising its presence when your energy levels are constantly low. Dealing with contributors to your own fatigue, be they at home or work, is the first step to recovery. If fatigue becomes a factor in your life for long periods, visit your GP or speak to colleagues and friends. There may be other factors affecting you other than busy workloads and responsibilities.
If you become fatigued, know it does not have to hold you back. Everyone at some point in their lives feels fatigued. Recognising you are and taking action will allow you to reclaim your energy and focus. Professionals tell us taking a break is not a luxury; it’s a powerful tool for staying sharp and feeling your best.
Fatigue is real. Recognise it, manage it, and protect your wellbeing and others.
https://www.bics.org.uk/
About the contributor
James Marston
Trainer and Inspector
BICSc