A Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) is an approach and set of management processes used to manage employee alertness. It is defined as:

A data-driven means of continuously monitoring and managing fatigue-related safety risks, based upon scientific principles and knowledge as well as operational experience that aims to ensure relevant personnel are performing at adequate levels of alertness.

The key element is the ‘based upon scientific principles’ which differentiates it from other similar management processes that depend upon experience. An FRMS must be based on objective as well as subjective measurements of fatigue and with this data, organisations can then take rational decisions as they seek to maximise alertness in the workplace.

Data Based Decision Making

Fatigue Risk Management (or Employee Alertness Systems) will enhance safety and reduce risk by the implementation of data driven decision making and management processes.  FRMS applies risk management and assurance processes to the detection, measurement, evaluation and treatment of fatigue related risks as an integral part of the existing Safety Management System.

FRMS will contribute to the operational excellence and commercial success of your organisation through scheduling efficiencies and productivity delivered within a risk assessed and managed environment.

FRMS is an Active Management System

Particularly in the airline industry, prescriptive regulations (also known as regulatory flight and duty times) are viewed as passive management systems whilst in comparison, FRMS is an active system. By pro-actively collecting data from their operations, organisations can take informed decisions on how to arrange their schedules and accordingly populate them with staff in rosters that both minimise fatigue and the consequential effects of frequently exhausting aircrew. Both management and aircrew may then study this data and together use it to develop an agreement for any consequential operational changes that may be sensible to pursue.

In general, airlines have limited room for manoeuvre against rising fuel costs, airport charges and fleet renewal costs but using FRMS, managers can optimise aircraft and crew utilisation in support of performance objectives.

Benefits of an FRMS Approach

An FRMS Project will bring business and staff benefits by providing the evidence required to make decisions that enhance employee wellbeing and increase operational flexibility. This leads directly into a higher profitability.

An FRMS approach translates into a real win-win result for every part of the organisation. Please contact us to learn more about how FRMS can help your organisation and employees as:

Managing Alertness Makes Good Business Sense