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Legal & General Construction Wellbeing Programme · Talk 2 of 10

Sleep & Recovery

Toolbox Talk: Managing Fatigue on Site

At a Glance

Poor sleep is one of the biggest hidden hazards in construction. Fatigue impairs judgement, slows reaction time, and increases accident risk, the effects of which are comparable to being over the drink-drive limit. Yet 20% of construction workers report daily fatigue. Taking sleep seriously is not a luxury, it's a safety and performance essential.

In the Ownminder App · Physical Wellbeing

The Physical Wellbeing section of Ownminder covers the body basics that underpin mental health: sleep, movement and energy.

  • Sleep Hygiene: A comprehensive list of do's and don'ts to rebuild your sleep routine, from bedroom environment and bedtime rituals to diet and screen rules.
  • And Breathe, 7/11 Technique: Two-minute breathing exercise: breathe in for 7, out for 11. Stimulates the Soothing System, lowers heart rate and prepares the body for sleep.
  • Relaxation, Body Scan: Audio-guided technique that progressively tenses and relaxes all muscle groups, releasing stored cortisol and adrenaline, ideal just before bed.
  • Move It!: Evidence-based reminder that physical movement breaks down stress hormones, even a 20-minute walk improves sleep quality that night.

Discussion Questions

  1. The CIRIA C782 framework identifies fatigue as a physical environment risk. What fatigue management plan is in place on this site, and does it actually reflect how people are working?
  2. How many hours of sleep are you typically getting, and does it feel like enough?
  3. What gets in the way of good sleep when you're working long hours or away from home?
  4. Have you ever made a mistake at work that you think was linked to tiredness?
  5. As a team, what could we do to better manage fatigue, particularly at end-of-week?
  6. What one change will you make to your evening routine to improve your sleep?

Recognising the Signs

Signs of poor sleep and fatigue include: difficulty concentrating, irritability, making more mistakes, falling asleep during breaks, and relying heavily on caffeine or energy drinks. Stress, shift patterns, working away from home, and excess screen time before bed are common on-site causes. Chronic fatigue can also mask or worsen anxiety and depression. CIRIA C782 identifies sleep deprivation as a major safety risk factor, fatigued workers have significantly higher accident and near-miss rates. ISO 45003:2021 requires psychosocial risks including fatigue to be assessed and managed as part of the occupational health and safety system.

Things to Try

Scan the site QR code to open Ownminder and go to Physical Wellbeing. The Sleep Hygiene tool gives a full list of dos and don'ts. Start with these:

  • Set a consistent bedtime and wake time, even at weekends
  • Avoid screens for 30 to 60 minutes before bed; use night mode
  • Keep your sleeping space cool, dark and quiet
  • Limit caffeine after 2pm, it stays active in your system for 6 to 8 hours
  • Use the app's 7/11 breathing or body scan to wind down before sleep

Sharper Concentration

Well-rested workers are significantly more alert and less likely to make errors.

Lower Injury Risk

Fatigue is a major contributor to on-site accidents, good sleep directly reduces this.

Better Mood

Sleep directly affects emotional regulation, reducing irritability and conflict.

Support

Ownminder Physical Wellbeing & Energy modules · EAP (free, confidential) · Site MHFA · Lighthouse 0345 605 1956

Attendance Declaration

I have attended this toolbox talk, heard the content, and know where to access Ownminder, MHFA, EAP and crisis support if I need it.

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Signature

Standard 7 (Working Conditions, fatigue management) · Standard 9 (Health Promotion) · Standard 11 (Culture)

NEF: Be Active

Lever 3: Healthy Living and Working Conditions, construction named as a priority setting