Fatigue While Working Which Can Have Fatal Consequences

Recently, we were shocked by the news of a national private airline's pilot and co-pilot falling asleep while flying a plane from Kendari to Jakarta. They were asleep for 28 minutes, causing the plane to drift significantly off course. This incident highlights how dangerous fatigue can be in jobs that require high levels of concentration.

Fatigue can impair clear thinking, slow reaction times, and reduce the accuracy in performing tasks. In the aviation industry, fatigue contributes to around 20% of fatal accidents (NTSB). Night flights or long-distance flights without adequate rest significantly increase the risk of work-related accidents.

Airlines must ensure that their crew members have sufficient rest before and after flights. Strict rest policies and regular health monitoring of the crew are critical for prevention. Technology can also play a role, such as automatic monitoring systems in the cockpit to detect signs of fatigue.

In addition to policies and technology, individual awareness about the importance of maintaining a balance between work and rest is crucial. This incident serves as a reminder that fatigue is a serious safety issue. With appropriate preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of accidents due to fatigue and ensure collective safety.