stress and fatigue on ships and how to overcome.pptx

stress and fatigue

1. Fatigue on board

2. What is fatigue? It is difficult to explain fatigue in one definitive statement. What is clear, however, is that anyone can be subject to fatigue given exposure to certain factors. It is probably easier to understand how fatigue manifests itself and the consequential effects on our ability to perform both physically and mentally.

3. What causes fatigue? Shortage of sleep / poor quality sleep - restlessness, disturbed sleep, inability to relax fully, rough weather restricting sleep. Negative environmental factors - such as noise and vibration. Frequent port turnarounds - which interrupt standard working patterns.

4. Adverse weather conditions - fighting against the elements both the cold and wet or intense heat. Consistently working more than 12 hrs a day - There is a demonstrable link between both the number of hours we work and sleep deprivation.

5. Why does fatigue matter? Safety reasons - Fatigue is a safety issue. Marine Accident Investigation Branch have found that fatigue was a factor in a number of maritime accidents. Health reasons - Fatigue may also be a health issue. The fatigue study showed that seafarers who report being fatigued also report poorer health than those who are not fatigued.

6. How to recognise fatigue in seafarers The seafarer - looks tired, yawns - falls asleep for small amounts of time - rubs their eyes - may slur their speech - is unable to concentrate properly

7. The seafarer - appears to be suffering with a lot of negative emotions - seems more irritated than usual - appears easily frustrated by tasks is uncommunicative or unwilling to co-operate with others.

8. Recognize a tired seafarer

9. If not this can happen!!

10. What can Ship Operators / managers do to avoid and reduce fatigue? Ensure full compliance with the relevant Regulations.... Safe manning - The Merchant Shipping require all vessels over 500gt to obtain and carry a Safe Manning document specifying the minimum manning levels.

11. Hours of Work The Merchant Shipping (Hours of Work) Regulations 2002 require a Schedule of Duties showing the planned working hours for each seafarer on board. It must comply with the rest requirements of at least 10 hours rest in any 24 hour period and 77 hours rest in any 7 day period. The Schedule should take account of all duties, not simply watchkeeping responsibilities.

12. Take Practical Steps to avoid and reduce fatigue Keep the Schedule of Duties under review to ensure that the hours of work continue to be realistic and workable. Provide compensatory rest if it is necessary to exceed normal hours of work.

13. Work with the seafarers to identify and reduce exposure to fatigue inducing risk factors. Be proactive in identifying hazards and reducing exposure, review safety procedures and re-enforce safety training. Encourage discussion of individual and group concerns about fatigue and take action based on their onclusions.

14. Consider introducing a Fatigue management programme – which is auditable and where its success can be measured. Consider using tools and techniques to assess and manage factors contributing to fatigue

15. Possible steps to resolve a temporary problem Allow the seafarer to; Take a break Have a nap - 40 mins if work will resume shortly after waking Have a drink – water is best, avoid caffeine Have something to eat (this should not too heavy)

16. for a longer term problem..... Rotate the seafarer to a task with lesser risk Give consideration to whether the task must be continued – as would be the case in watchkeeping, or can be delayed, as with unloading Consider lying over in port, or at anchor to allow seafarers to recover Consider increasing manning levels to continue commercial activities without jeopardising safety Review pattern of duties and manning levels

17. What are the implications of ignoring fatigue? “ Reduced safety due to fatigue will increase the risk of accidents that may lead to loss of life, environmental damage and huge economic cost.” (Seafarer Fatigue : The Cardiff Research Programme)

18. STRESS IN SEAFARERS Stress is a part of modern living Faster pace Increasing demands Seafarers are more prone to stress Away from home and family Alien working environment No social life

19. WHAT IS STRESS Stress occurs when pressure exceeds your perceived ability to cope - S Palmer, 1999

20. Causes of stress 1. Demands of Job Too much or too little work Boring or repetitive tasks Ship Culture Confusion over responsibility Alien environment Lack of job security

21. 3. Environmental Factors Noise and Vibration Dangerous or poor working environment Adverse weather conditions 4. Relationships Poor working relationship Harassment / bullying on board 5. Health Concerns

22. Fatigue A further cause of stress is fatigue. You need to be rested when you start work, and obtain adequate rest during off-duty periods. - If this is not possible, the reasons should be discussed with the management.

23. Symptoms of stress Obsessive worrying Inattention to detail Dry mouth and feel warm or hot Frequent aches and pains Fatigue and headaches Nervous stomach Sweating and panic attacks

24. Fearful and anxious Heartburn and Nausea Anger and restless feeling Unusual breathing and heartbeat Lack of concentration Difficulty in remembering Poor sleep Loss of appetite

25. Recognize if you are stressed Are you clear about your role on board? Are you happy with your boss? Do you have problems at home? Are you sleeping properly? Do you have a healthy diet? Do you take regular exercise?

26. How to reduce stress? Stress is not a sign of weakness! Talk to others about any issues or problems you are facing at work. 2. Talk to your boss, if you are having a problem with your work, working environment, colleagues, fatigue - See if you can get things right

27. 3. Take regular exercise – this will reduce stress caused due to unfitness Relaxes tense muscles and aids sleep. 4. Get a healthy diet – More of fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals and less of alcohol, red meats, caffeine, junk food and soft drinks. 5. Practice relaxation techniques

28. Benefits of managing stress Improvement in staff performance Greater commitment to work Improved recruitment and retention Greater customer satisfaction Improvement in organisation’s image Improved well being and quality of life

29. Stress Management Policy Company should encourage and support good management practices by ensuring all managers and supervisors are well trained. Offer support and counselling to those crew affected by stress. Make resources to enable managers implement stress management policy. Identify workplace sensors

30. On board stress mitigation Good communication Crew fully trained Crew provided with development opportunities Monitor workloads Monitor working hours and overtime - adequate rest hours

31. 6. Provide crew full leave entitlement 7. No harassment or bullying on board 8. Be vigilant and offer support to those crew undergoing personal problems Be Proactive, not Reactive. - Encourage crew to take steps on their own to manage stress.