The impact of fatigue & long hours on South African construction safety
Monday, 07 July 2025
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Posted by: Ernest Roper
 Introduction
Fatigue is a silent but serious threat on construction sites across South Africa. While long hours are often accepted as part of the job, the effects on safety, decision-making and productivity can be profound. With rising pressure to meet deadlines and budget constraints, the risk of fatigue-related incidents in the construction industry is becoming increasingly significant.
Understanding fatigue in construction Fatigue is more than just being tired. It is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that reduces a worker’s ability to perform safely and effectively. It impairs concentration, reaction time and judgment, factors that are critical for maintaining safety on construction sites. Common causes of fatigue: - Long shifts (exceeding 10–12 hours).
- Inadequate rest between shifts.
- Physically demanding tasks.
- High noise and heat exposure.
- Night work and irregular schedules.
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South African Context In South Africa, extended working hours are not uncommon, especially on large-scale infrastructure projects with tight deadlines. According to data from the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) and Department of Employment and Labour: - Fatigue contributes to a significant portion of fall, machinery and manual handling injuries.
- Most fatigue-related incidents occur after 8 hours of continuous work, especially in hot or high-pressure environments.
- Construction workers report an average of less than 6 hours of sleep on high-demand projects.
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Risks Associated with Fatigue
| Impact Area | Fatigue-Related Risk | | Safety | Increased likelihood of slips, trips, falls and machinery mishandling. | | Health | Higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries, mental health decline and cardiovascular stress | | Productivity | Reduced output, more errors and rework. | | Morale | Low motivation and poor team communication. |
Legal & Regulatory ConsiderationsWhile South African Labour Law regulates maximum work hours and rest breaks (under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act), enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in project-based or informal site setups. Construction Regulations (2014) under the OHS Act require that fatigue-related risks be addressed in risk assessments and OHS plans, but this is not always practiced.
Managing Fatigue on Site 1. Shift Scheduling - Limit shifts to 10 hours max for physically demanding work.
- Ensure at least 11 hours of rest between shifts.
- Rotate high-risk tasks to avoid repetitive strain.
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2. Break Management - Implement structured breaks.
- Provide shaded or rest areas, especially in hot conditions.
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3. Health Monitoring- Conduct regular wellness checks and fatigue screening.
- Encourage self-reporting of fatigue symptoms without penalty.
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4. Toolbox Talks & Training
- Educate workers and supervisors on recognizing and managing fatigue.
- Integrate fatigue awareness into daily safety briefings.
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5. Promote a Culture of Rest- Discourage excessive overtime.
- Lead by example, supervisors must model safe work-rest practices.
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Conclusion Fatigue is a manageable risk, but only if acknowledged and addressed with intent. A proactive fatigue management strategy not only prevents accidents but also promotes health, morale and productivity across the workforce.
By prioritising rest and recovery, South African construction companies can build safer, more sustainable projects while complying with national safety standards.
References - Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (as amended)
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act, No. 75 of 1997
- Construction Regulations, 2014
- FEM Incident Statistics Report 2024
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH)International Labour Organization (ILO) Guidelines on Work Hours
Neil Enslin | Head: Occupational Health and Safety
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