Fitness for Work and Fatigue Policy

Purpose. This policy sets the fitness for work, fatigue, alcohol and drug requirements for field crews, network controllers and rail traction workers.

1.Purpose

Network work requires full attention. A fatigued or impaired worker on a pole, in a substation or directing a switching program endangers themselves, their crew and the public. This policy sets limits and expectations that every worker must meet.

2.Fatigue limits

No worker will work more than fourteen hours in a twenty-four hour period, including travel, except during a declared storm response and then only with the approval of the department manager and a rest period of at least ten hours before the next shift. Night possession crews will not work more than five consecutive night shifts. Network controllers will not work more than twelve hours on shift.

• Maximum fourteen hours including travel
• Minimum ten hours rest between shifts
• Maximum five consecutive night shifts
• Storm extensions only with manager approval and recorded

3.Fitness declaration

Every worker must declare themselves fit for work at the tailgate briefing or shift handover. A worker who is unwell, fatigued or affected by medication must tell their team leader and will be reassigned to non-safety-critical duties without penalty.

4.Alcohol and drugs

Workers must present for work with a zero blood alcohol level and free of illicit drugs. Random testing is conducted at depots and sites and testing will be conducted after any serious incident. Workers taking prescribed medication that affects alertness must advise their team leader.

5.Rail traction and network controllers

Rail traction workers are subject to the rail operator's drug and alcohol requirements and health assessments under the Rail Safety National Law. Network controllers will complete a shift handover checklist and will not direct switching in the last hour of a twelve hour shift unless a second controller is present.

6.Records

Hours worked, fatigue extensions and fitness declarations will be recorded on the work order and reviewed by the department manager weekly. Breaches will be recorded in the incident register.