Monthly newsletter of the Trucking Safety Council of BC, created, written and edited by communications and marketing manager, Leasa Hachey. Filled with occupational health and safety information and tips pertinent to the transportation industry, with a spotlight on trucking.

1. Vol 2 Issue 10
TRUCKING SAFETY COUNCIL OF BC
Newsletter October, 2011
This month’s
safety topic:
Fatique: It’s More Than Just a Lack of Sleep
Fatigue
The trucking industry is very familiar with the need to control
drivers working hours. These controls are intended to make sure
that operators have enough rest to safely perform their duties so that
they are not a danger to themselves and other road users. While the
reasonableness of the particular hours of service rules may be sub-
ject to debate, the fact that fatigued workers can be a safety hazard is
not. Hours of work rules, however, only control one cause of fatigue,
a lack of sleep
Fatigue is a serious occupational health and safety concern and
is more than just not getting enough sleep. Fatigue can result from
various disorders including medical causes, lifestyle or emotional
concerns or stress. Depression, anxiety or grief can also cause fa-
tigue, as can too little or too much sleep. The medical causes may
include flu, glandular fever, anaemia, sleep disorders such as sleep
apnea or restless leg syndrome, hypothyroidism, heart problems,
cancer and other conditions. Fatigue is generally considered to be
the state of feeling tired, sleepy or having a lack of energy regardless
of the cause.
Fatigue and sleepiness are not always recognized as the cause
of workplace incidents. It is more likely that incident reports will iden-
tify the immediate cause, rather than fatigue as the underlying cause.
Studies have shown that fatigue effects include such behaviors as
reduced decision making ability, reduced productivity and perfor-
mance, reduced attention and vigilance, reduced reaction time - both
in speed and thought (a few studies have shown this effect as similar
to being legally drunk) and increased errors in judgment; among oth-
ers.
The performance of all workers, whether they are subject to
hours of work controls or not, can be impacted by fatigue brought on
by conditions both in the workplace and out. Learning to recognize
the signs of fatigue and addressing its causes will make your work-
place safer.
Rob Weston
Executive Director
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
Working safely may get old, but so do those who
practice it. ~Author Unknown
Inside this
issue.......
Warning Signs of Fatique ....................................Page 2 Shift Into Winter .......................................................Page 5
The Answer to Fatigue: Under Your Nose ...........Page 3 Online Course: Beta Testers Needed ......................Page 7
Free Safety Resources ........................................Page 4 Fatigue Prevention ..................................................Page 7
Distracted Driving Dangers ..................................Page 5 More Safety Resouces Available Online .................Page 8

2. Wake Up to the Warnings. Stop. Revive. Survive.
By Tal Sperling
Fatigue is often more than just feeling tired. There is short
term (acute) fatigue that can usually be reversed by sleep
and relaxation, but there is also prolonged (chronic) weari-
ness that is experience by your body. Many people expe-
riencing fatigue mistakenly ignore the signals from their
body thinking that they are just a little bit tired and can push
through the task they are trying to accomplish. The prob-
lem is that weariness is a condition that affects the body and
when an individual is suffering from weariness, the body will
shut down regardless of the person’s best intentions.
Some common effects of fatigue include:
• Reduced alertness
• Slower reflexes and reactions
• Reduced concentration
• Impaired memory
• Irritability and depressed mood
• Drowsiness
• Increased likelihood of going into “auto-pilot”, auto-
matic behaviour where you perform routine tasks but
aren’t having any conscious thoughts
In order to avoid these damaging effects while conducting
• Increased likelihood of “microsleeps”, up to 60 seconds
tasks that could lead to hazardous situations, and most es-
where the brain goes to sleep and you black out no
pecially while driving, it is important to be aware of the signs
matter what you are doing
of fatigue.
• Lower resistance to the effects of alcohol and drugs
• Higher risk of illness Common signs of fatigue which may be experienced by
drivers include:
• Frequent yawning
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty keeping eyes in focus, or sore or tired eyes
• Boredom
• Loss of concentration and wandering thoughts
• Feeling irritable or restless
• Slow reactions
• Reduced awareness of surroundings, for example
apparent sudden appearance of vehicles behind or in
front of truck
• Memory lapses – no recollection of driving the last
few kilometres
• Failure to check rear view and side mirrors as frequently
as usual
• Inconsistent speed
• Erratic shifting or braking
• Drifting out of the lane
• Missing a turn-off
• Hallucinations
• Nodding off
If you experience any of these signs while driving, pull over
and make sure you are refreshed before you continue on your
way. It is better to be arrive at your destination a little bit later
than to have a devastating accident as a result of fatigue.
Keep this motto in mind: Stop. Revive. Survive.

3. The Answer to Fatigue May Be Right Get real-time
Under Your Nose trucking and
By Leasa Hachey
safety news!
T
he tragedies of Chernobyl, Three mention workplace incidents caused by
Mile Island and the Exxon Valdez being tired or falling asleep. Find us on Facebook and
all occurred during the night shift. Many people with sleep apnea don’t follow us on Twitter!
In all three cases, worker fatigue was even know they have it. But the excessive
said to be a contributing factor in the daytime sleepiness which results has se-
tragedy. In an incident last March, an air vere effects on reflexes and cognitive and
traffic controller fell asleep on the job, motor skills, all of which are extremely
forcing two commercial air liners filled important assets to safety in commercial
with passengers to land without tower transport. SafetyDrivenBC safetydriven
assistance at Reagan National Airport. This may help explain the widespread
Fatigue is a critical occupational concern about sleep apnea in the trucking
safety concern for shift workers and em- industry. Sleep apnea has not been prov-
ployees who must work long hours, es- en to occur any more frequently in this in-
pecially workers in the transportation in- dustry than in the general population. The
dustry. These workers also have a heavy heightened concern is due to the disas-
responsibility for the safety of others, on trous consequences that can result from a
the road, in the air or on the water. It is im- fatigued commercial driver.
portant for workers and their employers to Studies show that truck drivers with
understand that although fatigue is a nor- sleep apnea have up to a 7-fold increase
mal response to a lack of sleep or disrupt- in risk of being involved in a motor vehicle
ed circadian rhythm and can usually be crash. Warehouse workers suffering from
cured with sleep or rest, it is also often a sleep apnea are also prone to serious
sign of a physical disorder that may need and even fatal incidents. Failure to chock
medical attention, such as sleep apnea. forklift wheels, tipping a forklift or operat-
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that ing large equipment and machinery while
causes a person to have pauses in their fatigued can all have devastating results.
breathing or abnormally slow breathing Sleep apnea is easily diagnosed and
while they sleep, often accompanied by treated. If you think you or your workers
loud snoring and resulting in nonrestful may have sleep apnea, don’t lose any-
sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can more sleep over it: see a doctor for diag-
have serious and life-threatening conse- nosis and treatment. In the meantime, limit
quences, such as high blood pressure, activities, such as operating dangerous
heart disease, stroke and diabetes, not to equipment and driving, until help is sought.
Symptoms, Contributors and Treament of Sleep Apnea
Typical symptoms or conditions that increase the odds:
• Neck size greater than 17” (16” for women)
• Body Mass Index greater than 30
• Snoring/troubled sleep patterns
• Daytime drowsiness
Possible Treatment
• Frequent night urination
• Hypertension Options:
• Diabetes
• Stroke • Weight loss
• Cardiovascular problems • Nasal decongestant
• Sleeping on the side
• Surgery
• Oral appliance
• Breathing mask

4. Free Safety Resources for Your Workplace
The TSCBC is pleased to offer resources to help
promote safety in the workplace.
Decals
We have created a set of decals that can be applied to a truck cab, trailer or forklift as a visual reminder to enter and exit the
vehicle safely. These decals send a targeted and effective message and make safety and compliance the building blocks of your
success. Email us today at info@safetydriven.ca with your shipping address and how many you require and we will send them to
you. They are also available for pickup from our office.
Posters
We now have a selection of four OHS-themed posters available for download from our website (safetydriven.ca/trucking-safety-
resources), with more to come in the future. Printed versions (11” x 17”) are also available for pickup from our office. Feel free to
let us know if there is a particular workplace safety theme you’d like to see in a future poster.

5. Distracted driving poses a significant risk for workers
I
n B.C., crashes are the number one 9 per cent of drivers think that commer- distracted driving – we can all do our part
cause of traumatic work-related cial drivers are better than the general to help create a culture where friends, fam-
deaths, according to WorkSafeBC public at following B.C.’s new restrictions ilies and colleagues don’t expect you to
statistics. On average, approximately on the use of hand-held electronic devic- answer the phone while driving,” said Fio-
30 workers in B.C. are killed each year es while driving. na Temple, director of road safety, ICBC.
while driving, and distracted driving, “Workers and employers in B.C. “A distracted driver is not only com-
such as cell phone use, is a key factor in need to take steps to eliminate any risks mitting a traffic offence, they are being
these crashes. or distractions and consider that when selfish and stupid,” said Chief Jamie Gra-
“As government, we have estab- you’re behind the wheel, driving is your ham, Traffic Committee Chair of the British
lished aggressive legislation and police only job,” said Diana Miles, senior vice- Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police.
have done a good job of enforcement president of Worker and Employer Ser- “That’s why police have been blanketing
but really this is about your friends, fam- vices at WorkSafeBC. the province targeting and charging the
ily and colleagues, so set an example,” To help workers and employers, new people who just don't get it. You have to
said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public materials are now available to down- be responsible for your actions, pay atten-
Safety and Solicitor General. “We know load on WorkSafeBC.com, including a tion and focus on driving – you will help
these deaths and injuries are prevent- sample safe-driving policy; tip sheets for prevent a tragedy.”
able. Let voicemail do its job or pull over. employers, supervisors and workers; as For more tips on cell phone use while
Safe driving requires your full attention.” well as a new video to help drive home driving, and to see the new preventable.
A recent Ipsos Reid survey conduct- the message even further. ca TV ad on distracted driving, go to
ed on behalf of ICBC revealed that only “We need to shift our attitudes toward drivecellsafe.ca.
Distracted Driving: What
You Need to Know
Employers, supervisors, and drivers can take steps to reduce the risk. Visit
WorkSafeBC.com to download the following resources for your workplace:
What employers need to know
> Understand the issue
> Understand your legal and regulatory requirements
> Strengthen the road safety performance of your company
> Educate and train your managers, employees and contractors
What workers need to know
> Before you get in your vehicle
> Before you turn on the engine
> When you’re behind the wheel

7. Beta Testers Needed Sign up today!
Online OHS course ready for testing Contact Tal Sperling at
The TSCBC is cur- feedback. The short If you would like to 604-888-2242
rently creating online course titled “Making help us beta test our
training courses to Dollars and Sense of first online course
or email us at
help in your workplace Occupational Health and give us input on
health and safety pro- and Safety” will take how to improve our info@safetydriven.ca
grams. Our first course an average of 30 min- courses, please con-
is in the final stages utes to complete and tact us today.
and requires testing. is taken completely
We are looking for online at your own
people in the trucking speed and pace.
industry to test the
course and give us
Fatigue Prevention
By Andrew Chan
The success of fatigue prevention takes a joint effort by both the employer and employee.
The Canada Labour Code requires every employer to ensure the health and safety at work
of every person employed by the employer and that every employee takes all reasonable
and necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety.
In order to understand how to combat fatigue you can take a risk management approach
to assess both the work environment conditions and personal factors which may induce
worker fatigue. Fatigue prevention can help you eliminate the potential undesirable conse-
quences of workplace incidents which could be as severe as a workplace fatality.
You can start fatigue prevention by providing training and information to all employees on:
• The body clock and how it is affected by fatigue • Effects of medication, drugs and alcohol
• Risk factors and symptoms of fatigue • Nutrition, fitness and health issues relating to fatigue
• Effective control measures for fatigue, such as work • Balancing work and life demands
scheduling
Categories Contributing Factors Solutions
Mental and physical • Concentrating for extended periods of time. • Improve job and task rotation.
demands of work • Performing repetitive or monotonous work. • Use tools and equipment that reduce physical demand.
• Performing work that requires continued physical effort.
Work scheduling • Work planning (e.g. Night work and extended shifts). • Avoid or minimize working for extended periods of time, or at
and planning • Tight time deadlines that do not allow workers enough time for travel to and times when people are biologically programmed to sleep.
from work and/or to physically recover or socialize. • Schedule adequate rest time between shifts
Environmental • Working in harsh and/or uncomfortable environmental conditions. Heat, cold • Provide protective clothing such as warm clothing when work-
conditions and vibration are examples of environmental conditions that can cause work- ers must enter freezers or work in cold storage facilities.
ers to become tired more quickly and impair performance. • Ensure there is adequate lighting and ventilation and protection
from vibration and noise.
Individual factors • Lifestyle (e.g. family care responsibilities, voluntary work, more than one job, • Improved lifestyle choices.
and factors outside level of fitness, social life or diet) • A broad range of helpful tips are available on the web for im-
work • Home environment (e.g. noisy neighbours or a bedroom that is too hot or proving lifestyle and combating fatigue, such as actnowbc.ca
not dark enough for daytime sleep) • Talk to a medical professional to address medical issues.
• Medical conditions (e.g. insomnia, sleep apnea, alcohol or drug dependence)
Save Money,
COR is an initiative that recognizes and rewards employers
Committ to
who develop and apply sustainable occupational health a safer, healthier
and safety programs that meet or exceed the applicable le- workplace through COR.
Get COR! gal requirements and health and safety regulations.
Following verification by a TSCBC audit, companies will Save up to 15% on your
Visit our website for more
receive up to a 15% rebate on their WorkSafeBC premi- WorkSafeBC premiums.
information Ask us how!
safetydriven.ca/cor ums in each year they qualify.

8. Have you visited our website yet?
To learn more about the Council and our programs, visit our website:
www.safetydriven.ca
We are constantly adding information and resources to the Trucking Safety Coun-
cil website. Please check back often to see what new and interesting content we
have added!
Interactive Hazard Identification
The best thing you can do to prevent injuries on the job is to stay alert and look out for hazards that could cause injuries.
Sometimes this can be hard to do, especially if you are used to doing a certain job and everything you see in your work
environment becomes second nature. This tool is meant to remind you that every day there are hazards that need to be
avoided or fixed. Have a look at the workplace pictures and try to see if you can find all of the hazards.
http://safetydriven.ca/trucking-injury-prevention
Safety Alerts and Bulletins
These WorkSafeBC posters provide important safety messages for you and your workers. At the time each poster was
originally produced, it reflected the current WorkSafeBC requirements. In all cases, today’s OHS Regulation and require-
ments must be applied to the situation shown in each poster.
http://safetydriven.ca/safety-alerts-bulletins
Forms and Templates SUBSCRIBE
TO THIS NEWSLETTER
Various forms and templates are provided to assist companies with the im-
plementation of safety policies and procedures and in meeting regulatory
requirements and TSCBC Certificate of Recognition audit standards. The To subscribe to this newsletter visit
templates are generic in nature and should be reviewed and modified to www.safetydriven.ca/get_newsletter
ensure they address the specific operating conditions and risks of the com- or simply send an email with “sub-
pany. More are added weekly. scribe” in the subject line to info@
http://safetydriven.ca/trucking-safety-forms-templates safetydriven.ca.
Let us know if you’d prefer your
newsletter faxed or mailed.
Visit our website for STAFF / CONTRIBUTORS
more information on this
Ne issue’s topic:
Rob Weston, Executive
to x Director
pi t m
www.safetydriven.ca rob@safetydriven.ca
c. on
.. th
Leasa Hachey, Communications
& Content
’s Trucking Safety Council of BC
leasa@safetydriven.ca
W sa 210 - 20111 93A Avenue
Langley, BC V1M 4A9
fe
Dy ork
Tal Sperling, OHS Programs
ty Tel: 604-888-2242 tal@safetydriven.ca
na pla Toll Free: 1-877-414-8001
Andrew Chan, COR Program
m ce Fax: 604-888-2243
andrew@safetydriven.ca
ic info@safetydriven.ca
s