Pacific National’s rostering and fatigue management system used the FAID biomathematical model of fatigue to assess the fatigue risks associated with train driver rosters, applying a threshold FAID score of 80 for driver only operations and 100 for other operations. The operator had not conducted analysis to determine that train drivers working rosters according to these thresholds were sufficiently rested to conduct driving duties.
The ATSB is satisfied that the actions advised by Pacific National will reduce the risk of this safety issue.
Pacific National has engaged in an enforceable voluntary undertaking (EVU) with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), accepted by ONRSR in May 2023 (see ONRSR website). Pacific National advised the ATSB that the commitments in the EVU underpin the actions that Pacific National has committed to that align to the findings made by the ATSB. In relation to fatigue management, the commitments included:
In November 2023, Pacific National advised the ATSB that it ensures rosters allow for appropriate rest opportunity and also acknowledges that although rosters allow for rest, individual circumstances may result in workers not able to take rest or not gain quality rest. It also advised that it had committed to conducting an extensive review of fatigue risk management, that includes a review of the fatigue risk management system and the use of the FAID biomathematical model of fatigue.
Pacific National further advised that it conducted a workplace trial of a wearable fatigue-monitoring device to monitor the fatigue levels of drivers. The trial aimed to review the device’s suitability and appropriateness. Pacific National reported that, although the trial provided important feedback, the device was not deemed adequately reliable as a risk control for broader implementation for its operations.
