How does fatigue affect worker safety?

Fatigue significantly impairs concentration and reaction times, making it a critical factor in worker safety. When individuals are fatigued, they may struggle to maintain attention to their tasks, leading to errors or oversights that can result in accidents or injuries. Reaction times are also adversely affected, meaning that a fatigued worker may not respond quickly enough to hazards or unexpected situations, which could be life-threatening.

In contrast to the correct choice, the other options suggest incorrect implications of fatigue. For instance, fatigue does not increase productivity; instead, it often leads to diminished performance and more mistakes. Similarly, rather than enhancing focus and alertness, fatigue detracts from cognitive functions that are essential for safe operation, such as situational awareness. Lastly, the assertion that fatigue has no effect on safety contradicts numerous studies that link fatigue to increased risks of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Understanding the detrimental impact of fatigue is essential for fostering a safe working environment.