Fatigue

A lethal continuum

"We live in a world where commerce is conducted around the clock and by the click of a mouse. A world where goods and services are expected to be available when and where the customer wants.
"Human ingenuity has created these expectations. And, for the most part, they are met. But they come at a cost. One of these costs is human fatigue."

So began the parliamentary report Fatigue in the Transport Industry, released in October 2000.

The report examined and made recommendations on all sectors of the transport industry ? maritime, air, road and rail, recognising that fatigue can kill, maim and injure.

"The more fatigue, the greater the risk of an accident occurring," the forward by Chairperson Paul Neville MP continues. "In the absence of measures to mitigate this risk, a lethal continuum is created. We frequently hear of accidents and incidents on roads, on railways, at sea and in the air where human fatigue is cited as a contributing factor.

"The consequences of such accidents can be catastrophic and enduring. Individuals and families can be traumatised, communities scarred, environments damaged and businesses destroyed."

The report calls for states to make driving while fatigued an offence similar to that of drink driving while another controversial recommendation is for mandatory drug testing in the road transport industry.

In the maritime industry the report adopted MUA recommendations calling for an inquiry into the risk to crew and public safety of quick turnaround times in port.

The committee recommended the Minister for Transport commission the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the National Maritime Safety Committee to investigate the risk. The authorities could then consider whether it was appropriate to regulate for adequate rest times for seafarers in port.

Presenting the union submission, National Secretary Paddy Crumlin highlighted the impact crew reductions, combined with faster ship turn around times, had on seafarers.

"Where ships used to be alongside for seven days, and there would be a period where people could relax, they are now turning around in eight hours or 12 hours or 18 hours," he said.

The report stresses that time in port was traditionally a time for crews to rest ashore. Now they are expected to help load and unload vessels, then prepare for sailing ? all within 24 hours.

The MUA submission cited findings of the Seafarers? International Research Centre at Cardiff University. The research showed that a fast turnaround time not only affects the quality of life for seafarers, but is a likely contributor to fatigue, stress and health problems.

Marine pilot, Captain Robert Hall, told the committee that seafarers appeared more fatigued when the ship sailed than when it came into port:

"As soon as they have completed loading they are expected to sail, whether they are rested or not," he said. "I believe fatigue is a major problem."

Problems with faster turnaround are compounded by shrinking crew sizes.

The combination of fewer crew and quick turnaround time were both key factors in the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off Alaska.

The report also recognises the findings and recommendations of the 1998 Ship Safe inquiry into the general issue of fatigue for Australian mariners. And it recommends a national regulatory regime imposing national standards for marine pilotage.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has commissioned a series of five reports on marine pilotage in the Great Barrier Reef from the Queensland University of Technology. And a detailed risk analysis of pilotage on the reef has revealed that between 10 and 25 percent of accidents can be attributed to pilot fatigue.

AMSA has developed a model code of conduct for coastal pilots on the reef.

It contains rest and work guidelines recognising the importance of night time sleep in combating fatigue. This includes a minimum period of 24 hours rest before piloting on the inner route of the reef.

A ready reckoner computer system records the number of passages pilots undertake and their embarkation and disembarkation times. It then provides monthly reports on any rest period violations, which are automatically investigated by AMSA.

The US National Transportation Safety Board announced in April that one in five maritime vessel casualties in the States is caused by fatigue.

Board chairman Marion Blakey said 'lost sleep equals lost lives' and operator fatigue remains a primary cause of serious transport accidents throughout the country. The board strongly recommended that the transport department establish 'scientifically-based hours-of-service regulations'.

Meanwhile, The International Transport Workers' Federation has commissioned a further study on fatigue in the shipping industry from Cardiff University in Wales.

Copies of the first report Seafarers' Fatigue: wake up to the dangers, (above) published by the ITF, is available from national office.