Australian researchers from Southern Cross University found that fathers of newborns are 36 per cent more likely to have a near-miss at work and 26 per cent more likely to have a near-miss on the road.

The study, published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, surveyed 241 new fathers at six weeks and then again at 12 weeks. The men worked an average of 49 hours a week and were employed as office workers or in construction and trade.

Dr Gary Mellor, a professor at Southern Cross University and co-author of the study has said the results show that processes like paid parental leave might need to be reassessed in order to help fathers with occupational health and safety and the pressure of having a new baby at home. He also suggests that employers “modify the work environment to ensure fatigued new fathers are not doing dangerous work or perhaps they could dilute the job or be flexible so the fatigued workers can rearrange their work.”

On average, the dads surveyed took only five days off at the birth of their baby and Dr Mellor believes that they feel the need to work longer to support their new families, adding to their fatigue.