Fatigue in industrial operations is a complex issue that often stems from factors other than personal responsibility. While insufficient sleep quantity is a factor, many operators struggle with undiagnosed medical conditions like sleep apnea, chronic illnesses, or vitamin deficiencies. Psychological stressors—such as grief or anxiety—and common medication side effects also significantly impact alertness. The article argues that if companies implement fatigue monitoring technology without a support-based framework, they risk penalizing employees for conditions they may not even know they have. Instead, operations should focus on identifying solvable problems like roster design and accommodation quality, while providing pathways for medical and mental health support.
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