Fatigue, Impairment & Fitness for Duty

You are part of the safety system. Being tired, impaired or overwhelmed slows your reactions and judgment just as surely as a broken tool can hurt you.

• Construction
• General Industry

Fatigue

Long shifts, overtime, night work, long commutes and poor sleep all add up. Research shows being awake for about 17 to 19 hours can affect performance about as much as a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.

• Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
• Take your breaks, and eat and drink regularly.
• Tell your supervisor if you are too tired to operate equipment or drive safely.
• Be extra careful during the low-energy hours: early morning and mid-afternoon.

Drugs, alcohol and medications

• Never work under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs. Most employers have a drug-free workplace policy and may test after incidents.
• Prescription and over-the-counter medicines (pain pills, sleep aids, some allergy medicines) can cause drowsiness. Read the label and ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it’s safe to operate machinery.
• Construction workers have high rates of opioid misuse, often starting after an injury. Ask your doctor about non-opioid pain treatment.

Mental health and suicide prevention

Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry. Long hours, time away from family, chronic pain and job insecurity all play a part.

• Warning signs: talking about being a burden, withdrawing, increased drinking, giving things away, dramatic mood changes.
• If you’re worried about a coworker, ask directly and listen. You don’t need to fix it; help them connect to support.
• Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential counseling.

Last updated: October 1, 2026