Air traffic controllers are falling asleep on the job

Air traffic controllers working alone during night shifts are reportedly falling asleep on the job, raising public safety concerns.

Several air sectors only have one person rostered on during the night shift, which covers most regions in Australia, including major cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth, according to The Australian.

Civil Air, the controllers’ union, told the publication there have been reports of air traffic controllers falling asleep on the job due to fatigue.

To address the issue, Civil Air also said they are looking into implementing two-person night shifts.

Civil Air president and controller Tom McRobert confirmed that several confidential reports of fatigue have been made to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. 

‘They have put in a confidential report saying “I fell asleep” or “I saw someone fall asleep”. It’s not a common occurrence but … it is definitely a concern, the more and more they push fatiguing rosters,’ Mr Robert told The Australian.  

Some air controllers have also reportedly complained about the single-operator arrangement.

Airservices, however, says it has reviewed its rosters thoroughly and that it encourages staff to report ‘any fatigue-related issues’. 

Despite this, Mr McRobert said he still believes two-person night shifts should be implemented to reduce risks and to avoid putting air traffic controllers in a tight spot.

Civil Air union says they are looking into two-person night shifts to reduce public safety risks