Safety Newsletter
In the construction industry, it is common for a normal week to consist of 50+ hour weeks, and sometimes even 60-70+ hours per week depending on the season and type of project. With longer hours, shorter sleep times, and fatigue on the body, we need to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving.
There are several tricks that can combat drowsy driving, such as rolling your window down, turning the music up, or enjoying a snack/chewing gum. Some of these quick trick’s work for a few minutes or help keep your eyes open for the rest of the ride but driving while drowsy (even if you are still awake) is still a huge risk. The best way to combat drowsy driving is to get good quality sleep and enough of it.
The National Sleep Foundation’s goal is to help people get the sleep they need and reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep deprived. Drowsy Driving Prevention is one way the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is getting the word out in an effort to prevent thousands of motor vehicle crashes each year.
Drowsy driving is often referred to as the “fourth D” along with Drunk, Drugged, and Distracted, as the major causes of impaired driving.
Just like other forms of impaired driving, drowsy driving is a public health issue, causing thousands of car crashes each year.
Drowsy driving is dangerously common. Most drivers can recall nodding off while driving, but drowsy driving is also preventable by getting enough hours of sleep and ensuring that they are productive, restful hours of sleep.
Though it is preventable, there are individuals who are at an increased risk of drowsy driving and should take extra caution when working long hours. Those drivers include commercial drivers (tow trucks, tractor trailers, buses), shift workers who have irregular or long shifts, drivers who use medications that may cause drowsiness, drivers with sleep disorders, and teenagers who have less driving experience.
Drowsy driving is dangerous even if the driver doesn’t actually fall asleep at the wheel. Lack of sleep can make drivers less alert and affect their coordination, judgement, and reaction time. Driver fatigue can result in cognitive impairment that is similar to distracted driving or even drunk driving.
The effects of driver fatigue, which increase the likelihood of a crash include:
All drivers should understand the dangerous consequences of fatigue while behind the wheel, the causes of fatigue, who may be at a higher risk, warning signs of drowsy driving, and safety tips to combat and prevent driver fatigue. This can help us all protect ourselves and those around us by encouraging us to think twice about getting behind the wheel when fatigued. Together we can significantly reduce the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue.
This summer, our Champion Environmental Services (Abatement Team) delivered an outstanding performance at the National Grid Greenpoint Fleet Garage, an active and fully occupied facility. Despite the challenge of working in one of the client’s busiest garage operations, the team safely and efficiently removed and reinsulated over 3,000 linear feet of aluminum composite material (ACM) insulation without disrupting day-to-day activities.
Under the strong leadership of Carlos Zambrano, Rafael Cruz, and Maria Montalvo, our crews worked extended shifts, seven days a week, setting the standard for dedication and perseverance. Their hard work and professionalism consistently exceeded the customers’ expectations and reinforced Champion’s standard for excellence in environmental abatement.
Congratulations to the CES Abatement Team on this well-deserved recognition!
