A Brisbane air traffic controller was discovered asleep on the job following a series of night shifts.

Following an investigation into an incident where a Brisbane air traffic controller was found asleep on the job, Airservices Australia will increase staffing levels and enhance fatigue management training. The incident occurred at 5:15 am on December 9, 2022, when the controller, responsible for managing the Cairns Terminal Control Unit, was discovered asleep under a blanket. Although no incidents resulted, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) highlighted the need for improvements in work scheduling and fatigue risk management.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell explained that the controller fell asleep due to a low workload and multiple consecutive night shifts with insufficient rest periods, which likely diminished their ability to achieve restorative sleep. The controller’s chances of falling asleep increased by lying across two chairs and remaining inactive, which reduced mental alertness.

The investigation, released on Tuesday, revealed that the controller had worked two series of night shifts in a row without the recommended rest period between them. Rostering issues led to last-minute shift changes, contributing to the controller’s sleep debt. Mr. Mitchell noted that the cumulative fatigue was not being effectively managed due to resource shortages.