It’s no secret that cruise ship workers put in long hours so individuals on the cruise can enjoy their time on vacation. While these employees know to expect those long hours, they may not realize how much the effects of lack of sleep may impact them and the overall safety of everyone on the ship.
One thing that’s notable to remember is that every employee on a cruise ship is an important part of keeping all cruisers safe. If something amiss happens on the ship, every employee has a specific duty in the safety plan.
Fatigue can affect cognitive abilities
Lack of sleep can affect a person’s cognitive abilities, including their ability to make split-second decisions and react to dangerous situations. When a person has gone 18 hours without sleep, they suffer from effects similar to those of someone with a blood alcohol concentration of .05%. Only two hours longer without sleep results in effects similar to what occurs with .08%, which is considered legally intoxicated in every state in the United States.
Some effects of fatigue have department-specific impacts. For example, chefs might face risks of lacerations from sharp knives or burns from hot surfaces. Lifeguards may be unable to save individuals who need help. Activity directors may not be able to follow proper safety protocols with cruisers.
When anyone is harmed due to negligence on a cruise ship, they may opt to pursue legal action. These cases can be complex, so it’s best to work with someone familiar with these matters.