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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how fatigue risks are identified and managed in their workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where work hours, workload, or recovery time may affect safety. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check how fatigue is considered in everyday Work Health and Safety decisions.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on how fatigue hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and controls are applied in real work situations. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices manage fatigue well and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Fatigue risks often build up gradually and can be missed until an incident occurs. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like when managing hours of work, recovery, and workload. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how work is actually performed rather than how rosters or policies are meant to operate. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real hours worked, task demands, and work patterns.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work arrangements or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how fatigue risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written rules or schedules. They look for evidence that work demands are understood, fatigue risks are considered, and controls are adjusted where needed. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that fatigue has been actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that identified fatigue issues lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to work hours, task design, or supervision
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What is work-related fatigue?
Work-related fatigue occurs when work demands, hours, or conditions reduce a person’s ability to work safely. The checklist helps review how these risks are managed in practice.
Is fatigue only a risk for shift work?
No. Fatigue can affect day work, overtime, long hours, or mentally demanding roles. The checklist is relevant wherever work demands may affect alertness.
Does completing the checklist mean fatigue risks are controlled?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review, discussion, and improvement.
When should fatigue risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when work hours change, workloads increase, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review periodically to catch issues early.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s34–s35 – Managing Risks to Health and Safety – Establishes the primary duty to identify hazards such as fatigue, assess associated risks, and implement reasonably practicable control measures.
Fatigue Management – Provides practical guidance on identifying fatigue risk factors, managing work hours and workload, and implementing effective fatigue controls.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.