Ensuring a systematic approach based on objective data and information is one of the most crucial elements in the ASSESS stage of the development and implementation of a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS). Without this objective assessment, there is also not a clear way to measure the impact of the countermeasures that are put in place.
Ever heard the phrase “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”? This is common in the approach that many use around implementing fatigue solutions. One person or a group of people complains about the schedule, the shift rotation or start/end times of the shifts until it is changed. Or one individual has an incident that “seems” to be related to fatigue and an onslaught of new policies, procedures and programs are implemented to reduce the risk of that incident occurring again. But this approach may not necessarily reduce the risk. It also isn’t based on objective, measurable data or information. It is a knee-jerk reaction.