Fatigue-related incidents and prevention strategies in Australian grain farming: A mixed-methods feasibility study

Abstract

Australian farmers tend to work long hours and have few days off, leading to fatigue. Fatigue factors including longer working hours, peak seasons, reduced sleep, alcohol consumption and heat exposure, have been linked to agricultural incidents. Therefore, this feasibility study aimed to understand the impacts of fatigue on the grains industry during peak periods, gain insight into current fatigue management practices and explore the feasibility of prevention strategies from other industries. The results indicated moderate/high levels of acute fatigue, low/moderate levels of chronic fatigue and moderate/high recovery between shifts. Awareness of fatigue and its contribution to incidents were highlighted, nevertheless, a reluctance within the industry to address fatigue was expressed. Prevention strategies included regular short breaks, scheduling shifts no longer than 12 h with 10-hour intervals between, task rotation, provision of healthy meals and onsite accommodation. However, the weather, labour shortages and finances, may affect the use of these strategies. Broadening the scope to include other agricultural sectors such as beef, cotton or wool, could allow exploration of the similarities and differences regarding fatigue. Best practice measures from other industries may not be feasible in agriculture, therefore a fatigue minimisation approach is recommended. Acknowledging the existing cultural norms about fatigue, is crucial for the acceptability of prevention measures among the agricultural community.