Although Airservices Australia’s fatigue assessment and control tool (FACT) had the means of identifying situational factors that influenced fatigue, it had limited effectiveness as supervisors were not identifying low workload as a fatigue hazard.
The ATSB considers the guidance provided and training, in conjunction with the Fatigue Risk Management System trial, adequately addresses this safety issue.
On 16 June 2024, Airservices Australia advised the ASTB that:
Airservices Air Traffic System Fatigue Safety Assurance Group is currently working to review and develop additional guidance material, training or coaching sessions that will assist end users in the application of the FACT process. (Action FSAG/27) An understanding of the possible impact of low workload will be included as part of this action.
Additionally, Airservices Australia provided the ASTB with a copy of supporting documentation on 29 July 2024 and advised that it:
…will be published this week…[and]…provides clearer guidance regarding breaks and reiterates the information contained in the FACT guide regarding low traffic volume being high fatigue volume. A representative from the human performance team will attend a line leader meeting to provide advice on the use of FACT, fatigue, workload and break management advice.
The ATSB considers the guidance provided and training, in conjunction with the Fatigue Risk Management System trial, adequately addresses this safety issue.
