Work Health and Safety (WHS): Managing Fatigue in the Workplace
Fatigue is more than just feeling tired—it’s a workplace hazard that can affect safety, performance, and well-being.
In healthcare, administration, and shift-based industries, fatigue can lead to costly errors, poor decision-making, and burnout.
This short, practical course helps you identify the early signs of fatigue, manage workloads, improve recovery, and build a safer, more supportive workplace culture.
Course Modules
Module 1 – Understanding Workplace Fatigue
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What fatigue really means: physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion
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How it differs from ordinary tiredness
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Common causes: shift work, workload, stress, dehydration, poor sleep, and ergonomics
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Early warning signs of fatigue in yourself and others
Module 2 – The Risks of Fatigue
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How fatigue affects concentration, accuracy, and safety
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Examples of fatigue-related workplace incidents
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The impact on mental health, absenteeism, and team performance
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The cost of ignoring fatigue in high-responsibility roles
Module 3 – Managing and Preventing Fatigue
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Evidence-based strategies to reduce fatigue
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Planning rosters, rest breaks, and realistic workloads
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Nutrition, hydration, and sleep hygiene
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Managing stress and emotional exhaustion
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Promoting a team-based approach to wellbeing
Module 4 – WHS and Organisational Responsibilities
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Employer obligations under WHS law
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Fatigue management as part of risk assessment
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Duty of care and safe systems of work
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Case study: Implementing a fatigue prevention plan in a healthcare setting
Module 5 – Personal Fatigue Management Plan
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Conducting a personal fatigue self-assessment
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Creating your individual fatigue management checklist
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Setting achievable goals for sleep, hydration, and recovery
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Maintaining long-term well-being at work
Who Should Complete This Course
This course is designed for:
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General practice, nursing, and allied health staff
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Receptionists and administrative employees
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Managers responsible for WHS compliance and team wellbeing
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Shift-based and high-demand workplace staff
Certificate of Completion
Upon completing the course, you’ll receive a free digital certificate that you can download instantly.
It’s ideal for use in your workplace training record, CPD portfolio, or accreditation documentation.
Where can you find your Certificate?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the course take?
A: Around 30–45 minutes of flexible, self-paced learning.
Q: Do I need any prior WHS training?
A: No. The course is beginner-friendly and suitable for all staff levels.
Q: Is the course really free?
A: Yes. Open Skills Training Australia provides all courses free of charge, with no fees or sign-up costs.
Q: Who developed this training?
A: The course was developed by educators and consultants experienced in workplace health and safety for general practice and other professional environments.
Q: Can I claim CPD points for this course?
A: Yes. You can record it as self-directed CPD, supported by your certificate of completion.
Q: Does this apply to non-healthcare workplaces?
A: Absolutely. The principles of fatigue management apply to all industries.
Q: What if I work night shifts or part-time?
A: The course covers flexible strategies suitable for different schedules and workplace types.
Q: How will this help my team?
A: Teams that manage fatigue effectively experience better morale, fewer errors, and improved safety outcomes.
