Fatigue is generally considered to be a decline in mental and/or physical performance that results from prolonged exertion, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal clock. It is also related to workload, in that workers are more easily fatigued if their work is machine-paced, complex or monotonous.

Fatigue can result in:

• slower reactions
• reduced ability to process information
• memory lapses
• absent-mindedness
• decreased awareness
• lack of attention
• underestimation of risk
• reduced coordination

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