Investigation Launched After Controller Found Asleep

An investigation by the ATSB found that a Brisbane Centre air traffic controller fell asleep at their workstation due to extensive sleep debt from working multiple consecutive night shifts. The incident occurred on December 9, 2022, at around 5:15 am, when the controller was discovered lying across two chairs, covered by a blanket, during a period of low air traffic. Contributing factors included the time of day, reduced workload, and the controller's practice of lying down to rest, which increased the risk of sleep onset. Although there were no immediate negative consequences, the investigation highlighted significant concerns regarding work scheduling and fatigue risk management at Airservices Australia. Recommendations include improved training and guidance on fatigue assessment and management processes. Airservices has since acknowledged the need for better fatigue management practices and increased the number of air traffic controllers to mitigate such risks.