The Silent Saboteur: Fatigue in Aviation Safety
The Silent Saboteur: Fatigue in Aviation Safety In the high-stakes world of aviation, even the slightest lapse in judgment or performance can have life-altering consequences. Among the “Dirty Dozen” list of human error contributors, fatigue is among the most insidious and underestimated threats to aviation safety (Anonymous, 2024). What is Fatigue? Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. In aviation, fatigue refers to mental or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively. It can be caused by long duty periods, disrupted circadian rhythms, insufficient sleep, or high workload over extended periods. Fatigue affects a range of cognitive functions, including: · Slower reaction times · Reduced attention and concentration · Impaired decision-making · ...