You notice another driver seems tired during a shift handover. What do you do?

Situation

Imagine I arrive for a shift handover and the outgoing driver appears tired, is yawning repeatedly, and seems slow to respond to my questions about the train's condition. I need to be confident that the person handing over to me is fit to have been operating the service and that any information they give me is reliable.

Task

I needed to address my concern about the driver's fitness without making accusations, while ensuring that safety is not compromised.

Action

I would start by asking them directly but kindly whether they were feeling alright. Sometimes a quick honest conversation reveals a simple explanation like a poor night's sleep. If their responses seemed genuinely impaired and I believed they may not have been fit for duty during their shift, I would report my concern to a supervisor privately. I would be clear about what I observed without making assumptions about the cause.

Result

Addressing it professionally ensures that the outgoing driver is treated with respect while safety is properly upheld. A supervisor can make an informed judgment about whether further action, such as a fitness-for-duty assessment, is needed. I would rather have an awkward conversation than ignore a situation where someone may not be safe to drive.