Workforce prioritisation guidance: Fatigue risk management

Work-related fatigue is a recognised risk to both the operational safety and performance of police officers and staff and to the health and quality of life of individuals. Evidence shows that many police officers and staff experience significant sleep disruption, high levels of fatigue, and poor recovery. 

To address this, we have developed a comprehensive strategy covering sleep, fatigue, and recovery. It includes a range of initiatives and programmes aimed at improving sleep quality, reducing fatigue, and supporting overall wellbeing across the service. 

A structured, preventative approach is essential - particularly for shift workers and on-call staff - and should follow the principles set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 

Fatigue and sleep-related issues are widespread in policing. For example: 

• 65% of UK police officers report sleeping fewer than six hours a night.  

• Studies from the University of Surrey and Washington State University found that more than half of officers surveyed likely had a diagnosable sleep disorder. 

These findings highlight the serious health and safety risks associated with fatigue. Managing this requires more than just compliance with the Working Time Regulations — it’s a legal requirement for employers to treat fatigue as a workplace hazard. 

Structured risk assessments must be carried out when adjusting working hours. These should use recognised tools such as the HSE fatigue risk index. While consulting staff on shift patterns is important, their preferences must be balanced against the potential health impact. 

Clear policies must be in place around working hours, overtime, and shift-swapping. Monitoring systems should track working time and help identify resourcing gaps. Managing these factors helps safeguard staff and improve operational performance by reducing avoidable risks.