Association between driver-reported sleep and predicted behavior of effectiveness based on the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool
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Authors
Heisinger, Aaron E.
Subjects
Advisors
Miller, Nita Lewis
Date of Issue
2009-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Current military operations require a high state of operational readiness. Service members and civilian workers are tasked with performing in a near non-stop environment without proper rest and recuperation. Unit and individual effectiveness depend upon initiative, judgment, courage, and motivation, which are all enhanced by the ability to think clearly and logically - attributes that are degraded by fatigue. This thesis seeks to determine the extent to which fatigue plays a part in human factors related to large truck mishaps. This study is conducted using the Large Truck Crash Causation Study data base and assesses drivers' predicted level of effectiveness employing the Sleep, Activity, Fatigue, and Task Effectiveness Model as instantiated in the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST). The entire population of truck crashes is categorized into two groups, those with human factors causes and those with non-human factors causes. A comparison of the two groups shows a statistically significant difference between the two groups in reported sleep and predicted levels of effectiveness. This result shows that fatigue is more prevalent and is potentially an important contributing factor to human factors related mishaps. Heightened levels of fatigue diminish situational awareness, judgment, and decision-making capabilities and can result in serious, sometimes even deadly consequences. It is recommended that fatigue avoidance strategies such as FAST be implemented in training and operational planning. Such strategies can assist in the development of more efficient and potentially safer sleep-work schedules.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Operations Research
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xiv, 65 p. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.