# Fit for duty: fatigue, drugs and alcohol

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/fit-for-duty
Last updated: 2026-10-23

A tired or impaired worker puts the whole crew at risk, not just themselves. Long days, early starts and late nights add up, and alcohol, drugs and some medicines slow your reactions on a site full of heavy equipment, edges and power tools. Today we talk about showing up ready to work and speaking up when someone isn't.

## Key points

1. Get real rest before a shift. If you only slept a few hours, tell the foreman so we can keep you off high-risk tasks like running equipment or working at heights.
2. No alcohol or drugs before or during work, including lunch breaks. Showing up hungover is not fit for duty either.
3. Check the label on any medicine you take, even over-the-counter cold or allergy pills. If it says it can cause drowsiness or warns about machinery, tell your supervisor before you start.
4. Know the warning signs of fatigue: yawning a lot, heavy eyes, missing steps, forgetting things, or zoning out. If you feel them, stop, take a short break, drink water and tell someone.
5. Take your scheduled breaks and eat. Pushing through without food or water makes fatigue worse, especially on long or hot days.
6. If a coworker seems impaired or too tired to work safely, speak up. Tell them directly or tell the foreman; it's about keeping everyone alive, not getting anyone in trouble.
7. Never drive a company truck or run equipment when you're drowsy or impaired. Hand off the keys and ask for a different task.

## Talk it over

- Which jobs on this site would be most dangerous to do while tired or impaired?
- What would make it easier for you to tell the foreman you're not fit to work today?
- How would you approach a coworker who you think has been drinking or is falling asleep on the job?

> **Remember:** If you're not fit to work safely, say so; if a buddy isn't, speak up.

## Official sources

- [29 CFR 1926.20](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.20) — General safety and health provisions

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.