Sleep Bands - an innovative solution for Fatigue Risk Management |
Publish date:
US company, Fatigue Science, has developed a scientific approach to assessing fatigue risk based on a predictive modelling tool – now rated as the most accurate in the global market.
Working with Deloitte, Sleep Bands developed by Fatigue Science were worn by over 100 Queensland Rail Network (QR) employees in the South East Queensland train control centres, a safety critical area responsible for monitoring of train positions and placement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sleep Bands work similarly to a pedometer by measuring wrist movements at a rate of 16 measurements per second. QR personnel wore the Sleep Band for a period of 14 days. Following this, each train controller was presented with an individual report detailing their sleep activity and quality over the period.
The results showed that some employees were really good at getting sufficient sleep, but others were way below the recommended 7 to 9 hours sleep per day. Overall the group assessment results revealed that there was a requirement for an average of 30 minutes increase in daily sleep to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the workforce at QR and to reduce the risk of fatigue.
In line with the results of the initial assessment, and subsequent training delivered to QR employees, Deloitte and Fatigue Science achieved an average increased daily sleep across the group of 20 minutes, with one business area increasing daily sleep by a full hour per day.
Needless to say, the client is ecstatic about our work, has a better understanding of the organisation’s fatigue exposure, and has formulated a strategy to achieve improved effectiveness of its workforce.
Robert Moffat, General Manager for South East Queensland, QR Network said: “Providing support to my safety-critical workers in better understanding the importance of effective recovery strategies from the impacts of fatigue in their professional and personal lives has resulted in improved sleep patterns across three work locations. The team from Fatigue Science and Deloitte in Brisbane played an active role in increasing the participation level of all involved.”