Fatigue greatly contributes to the risk of injuries and accidents.

The effects of fatigue:

• Decreased attention and alertness
• Reduced mental and cognitive capacity
• Decreased productivity and performance
• Decline in communication skills (increased psychosocial risks)
• High probability of errors in judgment and inattention
• Significant reduction in reaction time
• Increased tendency to take risks/fail to assess risk
• Risk of falling asleep while operating dangerous equipment, particularly a vehicle

Some factors that contribute to fatigue:

Professional and environmental factors:

• Long working hours
• High work pace
• Excessive intensity and duration of effort
• Insufficient rest breaks
• Suboptimal air quality / Extreme weather conditions
• Low lighting levels
• Time changes (in fall and spring)

Personal factors:

• Child or senior performer
• Poor physical or medical condition
• Stress and anxiety
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Poor diet
• Medication, alcohol and drug use
• Time difference when traveling

What can I do?

• Be aware of your level of fatigue and discuss it with Production and ACTRA
• Child performers must have a minimum of 12 hours of rest between work days (A2705c and A2705f). If this is not respected, please notify ACTRA immediately.
• Adult performers should have a minimum of 11 hours of rest between days (A1301 and A2602f). If this is not respected and you are concerned about the effects of fatigue on yourself or others, please report it to the production company and ACTRA.
• Read Appendix 37. You have the right to request the following from the production:
  • alternative transportation if you feel too tired to drive, or a place to rest or a hotel room
• Request breaks—as provided for in the agreement (A1302/A1303) – and refresh yourself (drink/splash yourself with cold water, breathe fresh air, go to a well-lit place, drink coffee/tea, eat a protein bar, etc.).
• If a day is extended, Appendix 37 stipulates that Production must provide caffeinated beverages, fresh water, protein foods, and easily digestible foods.
• Eat healthily: prioritize nutritious and easily digestible foods (fruit, vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken and eggs, etc.) – avoid foods that are high in fat.
• Stay physically fit, get plenty of rest before your session, avoid drugs and alcohol, and plan your transportation if you have a long day ahead or if you are going to work/finish at unusual hours (night hours).

If you see a situation where fatigue could lead to an accident, report it!

This memo is in honor of Jaclyn Linetsky and Vadim Schneider, whom we will never forget.