Reviews of Human Factors and Ergonomics

Worker Fatigue and Transportation Safety

Transportation touches everyone and is fundamental to how modern society functions. Moving people and goods has become a critical element of all civilized life and has created global communities that rely on safe and effective means of transport. A critical foundation of our global transportation system is safety in getting people and products to their intended destinations. That foundation is reflected in this vitally important volume of Reviews of Human Factors and Ergonomics, which focuses on worker fatigue and transportation safety. An alert operator is the most basic component of any transportation activity. Fatigue is an established transportation risk that has cost lives, injured people, and disrupted professional and personal activities, with economic losses into the billions. As you read this volume, every time you see safety, translate it into “lives lost and people hurt” to appreciate what is at risk. Enhancing transportation safety then translates into “lives saved and injuries prevented.” This context is provided to help readers stay grounded and focused on the vital objective of this volume: Managing worker fatigue will enhance transportation safety, save lives, and prevent injuries. This volume provides a unique opportunity for researchers, operators, and policy makers to increase their knowledge and understanding of the diverse and sometimes complex factors that affect worker fatigue. The chapters in Volume 10, however, go far beyond simply providing information to emphasize the translation of research into operational practices and policies. The specific collection of topics covered, thoroughly addressed and highly complementary, offer practical, real-world guidance on addressing worker fatigue. The authors also do a superb job of highlighting the gaps to identify where more research is needed. Operations can change or new policies could have a role. Every chapter offers significant knowledge, practical guidance, and valuable insights to managing worker fatigue. Anyone interested in or responsible for transportation sa