0619 Comparative analysis of different methods of assessing worker fatigue

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Fatigue at work causes reduced functional capacity that is experienced during the workday, is associated with sleep deprivation and impairs decision making. Fatigue can be estimated in a self-reported way, through the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), postural balance and core body temperature (CBT) that correlate with performance. Interest in fatigue assessment should focus on identifying risk conditions. Thus, the objective of the study is to present comparative results of 4 different methods used to estimate fatigue. Methods This study was approved by Research Ethics Committee (protocol CAAE nº 97394818.6.0000.5149). The sample consisted of 47 volunteers, who worked as truck operators, in a fast reverse rotational shift (4x1) with a workload for each shift of 6 hours, including a 12-hour break between shifts. All workers were submitted to fatigue assessment by postural sway using the Sonômetro for 15 days, in addition to assessments for 5 days such as CBT monitoring, 5 minutes of PVT and karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS). The gamma distribution with the identity function was considered for data analysis through the method of generalized linear models. Results CBT measurements were compared from the first to the sixth hour between shifts, no significant differences were observed . Of the variables evaluated by PVT, only the 10% faster presented worse results in the night shift (00:00 to 06:00). The KSS showed no differences between the evaluated times. The result of the pairwise comparisons indicated that there are differences in postural sway by SONOMETRO, being greater at the beginning of the shift 00:00 to 06:00, in relation to the shift 12:00 to 18:00. In the middle and at the end of the shift, a difference was found between the shift 00:00 to 06:00 and all others. Conclusion Among the presented methods, the SONOMETER and a single variable of PVT (10% faster), identified differences in the levels of fatigue. It is up to managers to identify the method that best suits the objective of the assessment, as well as the local culture and conditions. Thus, the combined use of different risk and fatigue assessment and management methods may favor the identification and management of worker fatigue. Support (if any)