An international conference examining the impact of fatigue on human performance will be hosted this week by the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research at The University of Western Australia.
The 11th International Conference on Managing Fatigue, which runs from August 11 to 13, has an emphasis on fatigue in transportation but also covers sectors such as natural resources, mining, healthcare and the military.
Co-organiser Associate Professor Paul Roberts, Deputy Director of the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research, said the event included sessions focused on industry, human performance, health and biology, shiftwork and road safety.
"Internationally renowned speakers will cover a range of road safety topics from driving performance to understanding fatigue-related fatal crashes and mitigating these incidents on regional roads as well as perceptual instability caused by an alcohol-induced hangover," Associate Professor Roberts said.
"Sessions on how fatigue affects shift workers in healthcare, aviation, the mining industry and the military aim to increase safety and performance but also create inclusive working environments where staff can feel empowered to seek treatment for sleep disorders."
The keynote speakers are Dr Mark Rosekind, Dr Michelle Grech, Dr Mike Lenne, Professor Drew Dawson, Professor Shanthakumar Wilson Rajaratnam and Dr Erin Flynn-Evans.
Dr Rosekind is a safety, sleep and policy leader with more than 35 years' experience in strategic, practical, and effective data-based solutions that enhance safety and health in complex environments.
A recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, he is an expert on human fatigue, credited with leading the field in innovative research and implementing programs in all modes of transportation.
A chartered engineer and recognised expert in systems safety and human factors in the maritime domain, Dr Grech is the Manager of Vessel Operations at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, where she leads a multidisciplinary team focused on improving vessel safety across Australian waters.
Dr Flynn-Evans is a globally recognised authority on sleep, circadian science and fatigue risk management, with expertise spanning spaceflight, aviation, maritime operations and healthcare.
As Director of the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center, she leads a multidisciplinary team developing evidence-based solutions to reduce the risks of sleep loss and circadian disruption in some of the world's most demanding operational environments.
Professor Rajaratnam, Head of the School of Psychological Sciences and Chair of the Monash Sleep Network, focuses on sleep and circadian rhythms, and its application to occupational and clinical settings.
Professor Dawson has worked extensively with aviation, manufacturing, retail, entertainment, transportation and mining sectors in Australia, and is an expert on fatigue in the workplace.
Dr Lenne, a Professor in Human Factors at Monash University, is a leading scientist in human cognitive states and has designed solutions that enhance human-technology interactions.
The conference will be held at The University Club of WA. To register visit the website.
