APPENDIX1.OFFICE-RELATED FATIGUE RISKS 1.GENERAL Office work can be as tiring asphysicallabour. Pāmu staff in Wellington and Auckland offices face different fatigue challenges that cause stress and health risks.In most cases this is associated with the mental fatigue of working the brain for longhours,but it can also be influenced by poor physical ergonomic andenvironmentalconditions. 2.RISKS TO OFFICE-BASED STAFF The following risks are associated with working on an office environment: Daily Commuting.Commuting to/from workmayrequire early starts, can add hours to the working weekand can be stressful (traffic delays, cancelled public transport, exposure to infectionsetc).Where commute times are greater than 30 minutes, managers should factor this intomanaging staff fatigue levels, especially where the commute involves driving. Working from home. Working at homemaylead to staff working longer hours and not taking breaks. Additionally,inadequatehome office set-ups may add to physical fatigue. Pressure for production. The need for collaboration, deadlines and peak periods lead to adverse behaviours such as: (i)No breaks between meetings. (ii)Working through breaks/meals. (iii)Working after hours. Working with devices.Screen-timerequires mental concentration. The brightness of computers and/or size of phone screens can lead toeye-fatigue, which can tire the whole body. Travelling. Travelling to regions can disrupt sleep, exerciseand eating routines and patterns. Driving long distances requires concentration that tires both mind and body. Travelling overseas can disrupt body clocks and lead to jet lag. Poor diet.Working in officesmayleadto eating fast foods,sugary foods and skipping meals. Being available 24/7.Having a deviceused for both work and personal useplaces employees permanently ‘on call’. The temptation to be responsive results in staff constantly checking their devices or replying to trivial matters during periods they should be using for rest and recovery. Active brains. Minds don’t switch off.Long after work has ‘stopped’ the brain is still focused on work issues, reducing an individual’s ability to rest and recover. Stress of Concentration.Some office work is justboring,and it takes a lot of energyto stay focused.