In workplace safety programs, especially in Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), fatigue and drowsiness are often cited as risk factors. However, the concept of impairment is much broader and essential for effective risk management.
What is Impairment?
Impairment refers to any condition that temporarily or permanently reduces a person’s ability to perform tasks safely. Common causes include:
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Fatigue or sleep deprivation
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Alcohol or drug use
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Certain medications
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Medical or neurological conditions
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Emotional stress or psychological strain
All these conditions impact the autonomic nervous system and alter the speed and quality of bodily responses.
Link to Impairment Testing
Impairment tests help detect whether someone is in a state that may compromise performance. Unlike substance-specific tests, these focus on functional and neurological effects.
This matters in HSE because:
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Impairment isn’t always caused by substances — fatigue or stress can pose similar risks.
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Testing the nervous system response provides a more objective view of fitness for duty.
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Preventive actions become more precise and effective.
Conclusion
Understanding impairment and its relationship to testing allows HSE teams to go beyond traditional checks and implement more comprehensive, proactive safety strategies.