Fatigue Management Policy
A Fatigue Management policy that addresses one of the most under-recognised WHS hazards in Australian workplaces.
Fatigue is recognised by SafeWork Australia as a major hazard contributing to workplace incidents - particularly in shift work, transport, healthcare and resources. Managing it is a positive WHS obligation, not an optional one.
This free template is written for Australian employers and gives you a defensible framework for identifying, assessing and controlling fatigue risk.
What this template covers
- Causes and warning signs of work-related fatigue.
- Worker, supervisor and officer responsibilities.
- Roster design principles (ordinary hours, shift length and breaks between shifts).
- Reporting fatigue and self-disclosure expectations.
- Driving for work, including heavy vehicle fatigue laws, and psychosocial risk.
Why every Australian business needs one
Fatigue is consistently flagged in SafeWork incident notifications, and is increasingly being treated as a stand-alone WHS hazard requiring documented controls. Having a clear policy demonstrates due diligence by officers.
Download the editable Word template, calibrate it to your operating hours, and embed it in your roster design and incident-reporting systems.
Disclaimer. This template is general information for Australian employers and is not legal advice. It is provided free of charge and “as is”. Review and adapt it for your industry, modern award or enterprise agreement, state or territory and workplace, and check that it is current, before issuing it. For complex, high-risk or contested matters seek advice from an employment lawyer or IR adviser. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we make no warranty that the template is accurate, complete, current or suitable for your purposes, and we accept no liability (including for negligence) for any loss arising from its use or any reliance on it. Nothing in this disclaimer excludes any right under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded.