LONG working hours and stuffy offices are taking their toll on employees, with more than a third admitting to falling asleep at work.

Studies from employment website Monster.co.uk have shown that 36% of UK employees have nodded off at work, with 39% finding it a challenge to stay awake. Fatigue can be a problem for office-based staff but it becomes a serious issue for those employed to drive for a living.

Kevin Delaney, head of traffic and road safety at the RAC Foundation, explained: ‘There is a problem with fatigue and driving and it becomes dangerous way before the eyes are closed.

‘Employees will stop being productive before they fall asleep and this isn’t too much of a problem working at a computer but it is a major issue for drivers.

‘Fleets should give good advice to drivers, keep up to date with best practice from the Health and Safety Executive and monitor the problem in-house.’

Preventing fatigue – tips for drivers

Have a decent night’s sleep before a long journey.

Don’t drink alcohol the night before a journey.

Keep a caffeine drink in the car or stop for a coffee.

Don’t drive for more than two hours without a break.

If you start to feel tired stop at the next convenient place.