Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has produced a 30-second commercial recognizing the challenges of working the night shift. The ad shows night shift workers in a variety of industrial settings. It goes on to point out the Senator's record and stance on issues the ad cites as being important to shiftworkers -- child care, elder care, health care, etc.
The National Shiftwork Information Center is a non-partisan organization and not an advocacy group so we are not endorsing this candidate nor her position. But, we applaud turning a national spotlight on the realities of shiftwork and identifying the kinds of issues that affect shiftworkers. Maybe this ad will help others pay attention to the needs of this important sector of our 24/7 economy.
You can view the ad on YouTube.
Showing posts with label 24/7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 24/7. Show all posts
Feb 19, 2008
Working shiftwork in Michigan
If you're interested in the 24/7 world of shiftwork like I am, you can't get enough of seeing coverage of the media covering shiftwork issues. I found this article, "Up all night," in The County Press (Lapeer, Michigan, USA). It discusses the demographics of who works what kind of shiftwork -- second shift, night shift, irregular shifts. The reporter interviewed a couple of local shiftworkters.
"One of these people is Matt Bennett, 27, of Grand Blanc, who is a dispatcher for Lapeer County Central Dispatch. Since June of 2006, he's worked 10-hour shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. His shift will include working four days in a row, then getting time off, working five days in a row, and more time off. Once a month, he gets six consecutive days off."
"One of these people is Matt Bennett, 27, of Grand Blanc, who is a dispatcher for Lapeer County Central Dispatch. Since June of 2006, he's worked 10-hour shifts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. His shift will include working four days in a row, then getting time off, working five days in a row, and more time off. Once a month, he gets six consecutive days off."
Feb 17, 2008
Management tips for improving shiftwork schedules
In the transportation industries, there are hours of work rules -- truck drivers, airline pilots, and others have constraints on their work schedules. And, some states have laws that establish rules governing some aspects of shiftwork, such as overtime pay and child labor laws.
Other than these regulations, there is little legal guidance for managers in 24/7 operations to help design a work schedule to reduce stress or fatigue. Some companies may have established work rules, and unions may have negotiated rules to govern shiftwork practices in some cases.
Nevertheless, research has suggested that work schedules can be improved. Older, poorly designed work schedules might even be dangerous because new technologies can change both the physical and mental demands placed on a worker. A well-designed work schedule can improve health and safety, worker satisfaction, and productivity. Therefore, a good work schedule is an advantage for both the organization and the worker.
Designing a work schedule has a large and immediate impact on all workers, and their family members. All people on the job must abide by the work hours, or they will lose their jobs. Also, working hours affect how people arrange the rest of their lives.
So any time a work schedule is changed, many aspects of job life and home life must be considered. You may want to make any work schedule change temporary at first and evaluate it carefully. The benefits of the change must outweigh the possible negative aspects. If it really is a change for the better, then it can be established on a permanent basis. Because such a change is complex, it is a good idea to consult ergonomics, or human factors, specialists for help in work schedule design and evaluation.
Tips for managers for improving shiftwork schedules
Given the limited amount of knowledge and research at this time, these should be considered as suggestions and not as strict guidelines or regulations. Remember, all aspects of job and home life must be considered when changing a work schedule. Some suggestions may be useful in a particular work situation, and some may not.
Consider alternatives to permanent (fixed or non-rotating) night shift: Most workers never really get used to night shift because they go back to a daytime schedule on their days off. Also, some workers on fixed night shifts lose contact with management and the rest of the workers in the organization. They may end up feeling too isolated or somehow “different” from the rest of the workers. This could make communication difficult.
If possible, consider a rotating night shift schedule, but take measures to ease the burdens often experienced in the typical weekly shift rotation. Some suggestions for making rotation less taxing are given below. Sometimes, of course, that permanent night shift is the only choice, such as in a nighttime security guard job.
Keep consecutive night shifts to a minimum: Some researchers suggest that only 2 to 4 nights in a row should be worked before a couple of days off. This keeps circadian rhythms from being overly disturbed and limits sleep loss.
Avoid quick shift changes: A break of only seven to ten hours should be avoided before rotating to a new shift, such as going from morning to night shift on the same day of the week. With so quick a change, it is difficult to get much rest before going back to work. On return to work after a quick change, most people are very tired and sleepy. At the end of a night shift, at least 24 hours are recommended before rotating to another shift. Some researchers even suggest that 48 hours should be the minimum between shifts.
Plan some free weekends: If a seven-days-per-week schedule is required, allow one or two full weekends off each month. Loss of contact with friends and family is a major problem for shiftworkers. Weekends are the best time to meet family and friends who are on a day schedule.
Avoid several days of work followed by four- to seven-day “mini-vacations”: Working several days in a row followed by several days off can be very fatiguing. For example, some schedules require 10 to 14 days of work followed by five to seven days off. Frequent “mini-vacations” are well liked by some workers, especially younger ones. However, older workers find it difficult to recover during the mini-vacations before they return to another long spell of work. Poor recovery from fatigue can produce accidents and damage health. A long work spell should be used only when there is no other choice, such as when long travel distances are required to do the work (e.g., mining or oil exploration).
Keep long work shifts and overtime to a minimum: Extra work hours add to fatigue. They also allow less rest time per day. If 12-hour shifts are used, two or three 12-hour shifts in a row should be the maximum. Two in a row is probably best for night shift. One or two days off should follow these night shifts.
Consider different lengths for shifts: Try adjusting shift length to the workload. Heavy physical or mental work or monotonous boring work is especially difficult at night. Maybe night shifts could be shorter. If possible, move heavy work to shorter shifts and lighter work to longer shifts.
Examine start-end times: Flexible start-end times, or “flextime,” can be useful for those with child care needs or a long commute time. Consider moving shift start-end times away from rush hour. Morning shifts should not start too early (5 to 6 a.m.) because night sleep often is cut short before an early shift.
Keep the schedule regular and predictable: Workers should know their schedule well ahead of time, so they can plan their rest, child care, and contact with family and friends. Studies of train accidents showed that very irregular schedules contributed to the accidents by producing sleep loss and fatigue.
Pay attention to break time: Sometimes the standard lunch and coffee break are not enough to recover from fatigue. For example, card dealers in gambling casinos get a 10 to 15 minute break every hour because their jobs require so much concentration. If their concentration is low, it is easier for a player to cheat at cards, and the casino will lose money. In jobs requiring repetitive physical work, brief rest breaks each hour seem to be best for recovery from muscle fatigue.
Related posts:
* Why managers in 24/7 need to pay attention to the special needs of shiftworkers
* Shiftwork schedules: fixed or rotating
* Hiring shiftworkers: best practices for managers in 24/7 operations
* Adapting to night shifts -- helping shiftworkers adapt and avoid shiftworker maladaptation
* Best practices for managing a shiftwork operation
Other than these regulations, there is little legal guidance for managers in 24/7 operations to help design a work schedule to reduce stress or fatigue. Some companies may have established work rules, and unions may have negotiated rules to govern shiftwork practices in some cases.
Nevertheless, research has suggested that work schedules can be improved. Older, poorly designed work schedules might even be dangerous because new technologies can change both the physical and mental demands placed on a worker. A well-designed work schedule can improve health and safety, worker satisfaction, and productivity. Therefore, a good work schedule is an advantage for both the organization and the worker.
WARNING: Because work schedules can have a direct impact on worker health and safety as well family and social life, shiftworkers can have understandably strong responses to changes in shift schedules.
Changing a schedule is not easy and must be handled carefully. Don't rush. Communicate with all affected constituencies -- managers, workers (and possibly their family members), union leadership, HR, benefits, compensation, industry regulators (if applicable) -- early and throughout the entire process. It may be VERY helpful to work with a consultant, as a neutral third-party, when making shift schedule changes.
Designing a work schedule has a large and immediate impact on all workers, and their family members. All people on the job must abide by the work hours, or they will lose their jobs. Also, working hours affect how people arrange the rest of their lives.
So any time a work schedule is changed, many aspects of job life and home life must be considered. You may want to make any work schedule change temporary at first and evaluate it carefully. The benefits of the change must outweigh the possible negative aspects. If it really is a change for the better, then it can be established on a permanent basis. Because such a change is complex, it is a good idea to consult ergonomics, or human factors, specialists for help in work schedule design and evaluation.
Tips for managers for improving shiftwork schedules
Given the limited amount of knowledge and research at this time, these should be considered as suggestions and not as strict guidelines or regulations. Remember, all aspects of job and home life must be considered when changing a work schedule. Some suggestions may be useful in a particular work situation, and some may not.
• Avoid permanent (fixed or non-rotating) night shift
• Keep consecutive night shifts to a minimum
• Avoid quick shift changes
• Plan some free weekends
• Avoid several days of work followed by four- to seven-day “mini-vacations”
• Keep long work shifts and overtime to a minimum
• Consider different lengths for shifts
• Examine start-end times
• Keep the schedule regular and predictable
• Pay attention to break times
Consider alternatives to permanent (fixed or non-rotating) night shift: Most workers never really get used to night shift because they go back to a daytime schedule on their days off. Also, some workers on fixed night shifts lose contact with management and the rest of the workers in the organization. They may end up feeling too isolated or somehow “different” from the rest of the workers. This could make communication difficult.
If possible, consider a rotating night shift schedule, but take measures to ease the burdens often experienced in the typical weekly shift rotation. Some suggestions for making rotation less taxing are given below. Sometimes, of course, that permanent night shift is the only choice, such as in a nighttime security guard job.
Keep consecutive night shifts to a minimum: Some researchers suggest that only 2 to 4 nights in a row should be worked before a couple of days off. This keeps circadian rhythms from being overly disturbed and limits sleep loss.
Avoid quick shift changes: A break of only seven to ten hours should be avoided before rotating to a new shift, such as going from morning to night shift on the same day of the week. With so quick a change, it is difficult to get much rest before going back to work. On return to work after a quick change, most people are very tired and sleepy. At the end of a night shift, at least 24 hours are recommended before rotating to another shift. Some researchers even suggest that 48 hours should be the minimum between shifts.
Plan some free weekends: If a seven-days-per-week schedule is required, allow one or two full weekends off each month. Loss of contact with friends and family is a major problem for shiftworkers. Weekends are the best time to meet family and friends who are on a day schedule.
Avoid several days of work followed by four- to seven-day “mini-vacations”: Working several days in a row followed by several days off can be very fatiguing. For example, some schedules require 10 to 14 days of work followed by five to seven days off. Frequent “mini-vacations” are well liked by some workers, especially younger ones. However, older workers find it difficult to recover during the mini-vacations before they return to another long spell of work. Poor recovery from fatigue can produce accidents and damage health. A long work spell should be used only when there is no other choice, such as when long travel distances are required to do the work (e.g., mining or oil exploration).
Keep long work shifts and overtime to a minimum: Extra work hours add to fatigue. They also allow less rest time per day. If 12-hour shifts are used, two or three 12-hour shifts in a row should be the maximum. Two in a row is probably best for night shift. One or two days off should follow these night shifts.
Consider different lengths for shifts: Try adjusting shift length to the workload. Heavy physical or mental work or monotonous boring work is especially difficult at night. Maybe night shifts could be shorter. If possible, move heavy work to shorter shifts and lighter work to longer shifts.
Examine start-end times: Flexible start-end times, or “flextime,” can be useful for those with child care needs or a long commute time. Consider moving shift start-end times away from rush hour. Morning shifts should not start too early (5 to 6 a.m.) because night sleep often is cut short before an early shift.
Keep the schedule regular and predictable: Workers should know their schedule well ahead of time, so they can plan their rest, child care, and contact with family and friends. Studies of train accidents showed that very irregular schedules contributed to the accidents by producing sleep loss and fatigue.
Pay attention to break time: Sometimes the standard lunch and coffee break are not enough to recover from fatigue. For example, card dealers in gambling casinos get a 10 to 15 minute break every hour because their jobs require so much concentration. If their concentration is low, it is easier for a player to cheat at cards, and the casino will lose money. In jobs requiring repetitive physical work, brief rest breaks each hour seem to be best for recovery from muscle fatigue.
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
Related posts:
* Why managers in 24/7 need to pay attention to the special needs of shiftworkers
* Shiftwork schedules: fixed or rotating
* Hiring shiftworkers: best practices for managers in 24/7 operations
* Adapting to night shifts -- helping shiftworkers adapt and avoid shiftworker maladaptation
* Best practices for managing a shiftwork operation
Feb 15, 2008
Shiftwork health and safety: long-term health effects
In the long run, it is possible for a demanding work schedule to affect a person's health. However, studying health problems in workers is difficult. If possible, workers will change jobs if they think the work is making them ill. A shiftworker might change to a day job for that reason. This is called the “healthy worker” or the “survivor” effect. Workers who stay on the job are those who can “take it.” Because sick workers leave the job, it is much harder to show a relationship between job factors and poor health. Therefore, researchers have only fairly healthy shiftworkers to study.
With that in mind, it is not clear whether or not one's work schedule is the actual cause of health problems. But, workers who quit doing shiftwork often point to health problems as a major reason for quitting. Plus, a stressful schedule can combine with other factors to hurt a person's health.
If a person has other major stresses in life, such as a bad marriage or a loved one with a chronic illness, a demanding work schedule certainly won't help the situation. If a worker has poor health habits, such as using too much alcohol or tobacco, it will be more difficult to resist the stress of the work schedule. A demanding schedule also might aggravate an existing health problem.
Digestive Problems
Some research has suggested that shiftworkers have more upset stomachs, constipation, and stomach ulcers than day workers. Other research has not backed up this suggestion. But, there is always the problem of having only healthy workers to study. Digestive problems could be more common in shiftworkers because digestion follows a circadian rhythm.
Usually people eat at regular times during the day. They also eliminate waste at regular times during the day. Shiftwork can interfere with regular eating and digestive patterns by changing work and sleep times frequently. So, it is not surprising that this could lead to nausea and other stomach problems. However, digestive problems also could be caused by lack of nutritious food. For example, sometimes on night shift only junk food from vending machines is available.
Heart Disease
Heart problems also have been noted more often among shiftworkers than day workers. For example, Swedish researchers studied paper mill workers in a small town for several years. This study is especially meaningful, because the paper mill was the only employer in town. This made it difficult for the employees to stop working shifts.
Most of them had done shiftwork for most of their lives. Researchers found that the longer people worked shifts, the more likely they were to develop heart disease. However, the way in which the work schedule affects the heart is not at all clear. Work schedule stress might cause heart disease, but it is more likely a combination of stress, diet, smoking and drinking habits, other life stresses, and family history of heart disease.
It is difficult to say exactly how the work schedule fits in with all the other factors producing heart disease. Earlier we talked about several different work schedule features that could cause stress and fatigue. Right now we can only guess about which combination of those features has the most impact on a person's health. Constantly shifting from a day to a night schedule may be one of the stressful factors. But long work hours, high workloads, and irregular schedules also can play a role.
Related posts:
* Night shift work raises cancer risks, or not
With that in mind, it is not clear whether or not one's work schedule is the actual cause of health problems. But, workers who quit doing shiftwork often point to health problems as a major reason for quitting. Plus, a stressful schedule can combine with other factors to hurt a person's health.
If a person has other major stresses in life, such as a bad marriage or a loved one with a chronic illness, a demanding work schedule certainly won't help the situation. If a worker has poor health habits, such as using too much alcohol or tobacco, it will be more difficult to resist the stress of the work schedule. A demanding schedule also might aggravate an existing health problem.
Digestive Problems
Some research has suggested that shiftworkers have more upset stomachs, constipation, and stomach ulcers than day workers. Other research has not backed up this suggestion. But, there is always the problem of having only healthy workers to study. Digestive problems could be more common in shiftworkers because digestion follows a circadian rhythm.
Usually people eat at regular times during the day. They also eliminate waste at regular times during the day. Shiftwork can interfere with regular eating and digestive patterns by changing work and sleep times frequently. So, it is not surprising that this could lead to nausea and other stomach problems. However, digestive problems also could be caused by lack of nutritious food. For example, sometimes on night shift only junk food from vending machines is available.
Heart Disease
Heart problems also have been noted more often among shiftworkers than day workers. For example, Swedish researchers studied paper mill workers in a small town for several years. This study is especially meaningful, because the paper mill was the only employer in town. This made it difficult for the employees to stop working shifts.
Most of them had done shiftwork for most of their lives. Researchers found that the longer people worked shifts, the more likely they were to develop heart disease. However, the way in which the work schedule affects the heart is not at all clear. Work schedule stress might cause heart disease, but it is more likely a combination of stress, diet, smoking and drinking habits, other life stresses, and family history of heart disease.
It is difficult to say exactly how the work schedule fits in with all the other factors producing heart disease. Earlier we talked about several different work schedule features that could cause stress and fatigue. Right now we can only guess about which combination of those features has the most impact on a person's health. Constantly shifting from a day to a night schedule may be one of the stressful factors. But long work hours, high workloads, and irregular schedules also can play a role.
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
Related posts:
* Night shift work raises cancer risks, or not
Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part II
We continue the discussion of short term effects of shiftwork:
Interference with Social and Family Life
Most social and family events happen during the evening or on weekends. Because shiftworkers are on the job in the evening or on weekends, or because they sleep during the day, they often miss out on social or family activities.
When shiftworkers are asked about problems with their work schedule, they usually say that the number one problem is missing family and friends. Most shiftworkers agree that sleep also is a problem, but sometimes they would rather lose a little sleep just to see other people, especially their spouse or children.
The amount of time shiftworkers spend with family and friends depends on their schedule. It also depends on their social and leisure activities and how flexible these activities are. Shiftwork interferes little with activities that are not on a strict time schedule. Gardening, woodworking, or fixing cars are these kinds of activities.
Shiftwork does interfere with activities that are strictly scheduled, such as clubs or team sports. Shiftworkers often miss these activities because of work. Child care or visits to the children's school also can be a problem because of the work schedule.
A shiftwork schedule affects not only the worker but also the rest of the family. For example, children at play must be quiet during the day because the shiftworker is asleep.
Interference with Social and Family Life
Most social and family events happen during the evening or on weekends. Because shiftworkers are on the job in the evening or on weekends, or because they sleep during the day, they often miss out on social or family activities.
When shiftworkers are asked about problems with their work schedule, they usually say that the number one problem is missing family and friends. Most shiftworkers agree that sleep also is a problem, but sometimes they would rather lose a little sleep just to see other people, especially their spouse or children.
The amount of time shiftworkers spend with family and friends depends on their schedule. It also depends on their social and leisure activities and how flexible these activities are. Shiftwork interferes little with activities that are not on a strict time schedule. Gardening, woodworking, or fixing cars are these kinds of activities.
Shiftwork does interfere with activities that are strictly scheduled, such as clubs or team sports. Shiftworkers often miss these activities because of work. Child care or visits to the children's school also can be a problem because of the work schedule.
A shiftwork schedule affects not only the worker but also the rest of the family. For example, children at play must be quiet during the day because the shiftworker is asleep.
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part I
* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part I
Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part I
There are many positive aspects of shiftwork and our 24/7 society. Operating 24/7, shiftworkers make this world safer, more productive, and more convenient for everyone else. Employers often offer differential pay for shiftwork, and shiftworkers often have time off when the majority of workers are working.
Shiftwork schedules are also demanding and likely to produce stress and fatigue. Shiftwork can affect safety, health, or ability to do the job. Some of these things happen very soon after starting shiftwork. We talk about these under Immediate Effects. Health changes take a longer time to appear. We talk about health under Long-Term Health Effects.
Immediate Effects
Sleep
Soon after starting shiftwork, people notice changes in their sleep. Night workers usually get the least amount of sleep. Evening shift-workers get the most sleep, and day shiftworkers get a medium amount of sleep. Night workers are forced to sleep during the day, when their circadian rhythm makes them feel more awake. Day sleep is usually shorter than night sleep—sometimes two or three hours shorter. Day sleep also is lighter than night sleep.
Day sleepers often say they don't sleep as deeply as they do at night. Because their sleep is lighter, they are easily awakened by sounds. This makes sleeping difficult. Since there is more activity during the day, there are more sounds to wake up the sleeping shiftworker. Both permanent night workers and rotating shiftworkers sleep worse when working nights. However, rotating shiftworkers sleep the least of all.
Sleep loss makes it much easier to fall asleep at inappropriate times. This affects a worker's ability to perform safely and efficiently. Sleepiness can affect performance both on and off the job. Driving to and from work is a major concern. Sleepiness affects our ability to concentrate or pay attention, and driving requires us to pay attention at all times.
So, if a person is sleepy, it is easier to have an accident. Several jobs, such as operating dangerous machinery, also require us to pay attention at all times. So sleepiness can be risky in many different occupations. This risk is not simply a matter of falling completely asleep. After sleep loss, it is possible to have very brief periods of sleep that last only a few seconds.
Most people may not even realize these short sleeps are happening. During those few seconds of sleep, they are not paying attention at all. If something dangerous happens at those times, the worker or somebody else could get seriously hurt.
Circadian Rhythm, Performance, and Safety
The circadian rhythm is a major body rhythm with regular ups and downs in the 24-hour day. Many systems in the body are very active at certain times of day, and not active at all at other times of day. Usually the most activity happens in late afternoon or early evening. For example, the body's ability to produce energy from food (metabolism) is highest in the afternoon to evening. The least activity usually happens in the middle of the night when most people are asleep. This is one reason people feel most active and alert around 4 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and sleepiest at 4 to 6 o'clock in the morning.
There also are personal differences in circadian rhythms. Some people are morning types or “larks.” Morning people feel most active and alert early in the day. They usually go to bed early in the evening. Other people are evening types or “owls.”
Evening people feel most active in late afternoon or evening, and like to stay up late into the night. Fishermen who are out on the water before dawn usually are morning types. Musicians who perform in the evening usually are evening types. Most people, however, are somewhere in-between the strict morning and evening types.
The internal circadian rhythm affects how alert people feel. This affects their ability to perform. People perform best when alertness and internal body activity is high, and worst when alertness and activity are low. In the normal day-work, night-sleep situation, people work when the circadian rhythm is high and sleep when it is low.
On average, this schedule is best for performance, which means it also is best for safety. When workers perform poorly, they are more likely to make errors that could lead to accidents or injuries.
When working the night shift, a person is at work when his or her circadian rhythm is low and asleep when it is high. Such a schedule means that a person is trying to stay alert when the circadian rhythm is low.
On average, this is not the best time of day for performance. This low-point affects physical activity and the ability to concentrate. If a worker also has lost sleep, fatigue could combine with the circadian low-point to double the effect on one's ability to perform. Poor performance could affect both productivity and safety. Studies of errors and accidents at different times of day show an increased risk at night when the circadian rhythm is low and sleep has been lost.
* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part II
Shiftwork schedules are also demanding and likely to produce stress and fatigue. Shiftwork can affect safety, health, or ability to do the job. Some of these things happen very soon after starting shiftwork. We talk about these under Immediate Effects. Health changes take a longer time to appear. We talk about health under Long-Term Health Effects.
Immediate Effects
Sleep
Soon after starting shiftwork, people notice changes in their sleep. Night workers usually get the least amount of sleep. Evening shift-workers get the most sleep, and day shiftworkers get a medium amount of sleep. Night workers are forced to sleep during the day, when their circadian rhythm makes them feel more awake. Day sleep is usually shorter than night sleep—sometimes two or three hours shorter. Day sleep also is lighter than night sleep.
Day sleepers often say they don't sleep as deeply as they do at night. Because their sleep is lighter, they are easily awakened by sounds. This makes sleeping difficult. Since there is more activity during the day, there are more sounds to wake up the sleeping shiftworker. Both permanent night workers and rotating shiftworkers sleep worse when working nights. However, rotating shiftworkers sleep the least of all.
Sleep loss makes it much easier to fall asleep at inappropriate times. This affects a worker's ability to perform safely and efficiently. Sleepiness can affect performance both on and off the job. Driving to and from work is a major concern. Sleepiness affects our ability to concentrate or pay attention, and driving requires us to pay attention at all times.
So, if a person is sleepy, it is easier to have an accident. Several jobs, such as operating dangerous machinery, also require us to pay attention at all times. So sleepiness can be risky in many different occupations. This risk is not simply a matter of falling completely asleep. After sleep loss, it is possible to have very brief periods of sleep that last only a few seconds.
Most people may not even realize these short sleeps are happening. During those few seconds of sleep, they are not paying attention at all. If something dangerous happens at those times, the worker or somebody else could get seriously hurt.
Circadian Rhythm, Performance, and Safety
The circadian rhythm is a major body rhythm with regular ups and downs in the 24-hour day. Many systems in the body are very active at certain times of day, and not active at all at other times of day. Usually the most activity happens in late afternoon or early evening. For example, the body's ability to produce energy from food (metabolism) is highest in the afternoon to evening. The least activity usually happens in the middle of the night when most people are asleep. This is one reason people feel most active and alert around 4 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and sleepiest at 4 to 6 o'clock in the morning.
There also are personal differences in circadian rhythms. Some people are morning types or “larks.” Morning people feel most active and alert early in the day. They usually go to bed early in the evening. Other people are evening types or “owls.”
Evening people feel most active in late afternoon or evening, and like to stay up late into the night. Fishermen who are out on the water before dawn usually are morning types. Musicians who perform in the evening usually are evening types. Most people, however, are somewhere in-between the strict morning and evening types.
The internal circadian rhythm affects how alert people feel. This affects their ability to perform. People perform best when alertness and internal body activity is high, and worst when alertness and activity are low. In the normal day-work, night-sleep situation, people work when the circadian rhythm is high and sleep when it is low.
On average, this schedule is best for performance, which means it also is best for safety. When workers perform poorly, they are more likely to make errors that could lead to accidents or injuries.
When working the night shift, a person is at work when his or her circadian rhythm is low and asleep when it is high. Such a schedule means that a person is trying to stay alert when the circadian rhythm is low.
On average, this is not the best time of day for performance. This low-point affects physical activity and the ability to concentrate. If a worker also has lost sleep, fatigue could combine with the circadian low-point to double the effect on one's ability to perform. Poor performance could affect both productivity and safety. Studies of errors and accidents at different times of day show an increased risk at night when the circadian rhythm is low and sleep has been lost.
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
Continued in:* Shiftworker health and safety: short-term effects, part II
Feb 13, 2008
Interest in shiftworker fatigue and safety around the world
It's always interesting to me to see how far and wide interest in shiftwork issues is. North America has a pretty active interest in shiftworker safety and performance in 24/7 operations. So does the UK, and many parts of Europe. And, there's a great deal of interest and effort in Australia and New Zealand to raise awareness of shiftworker health and safety among managers in 24/7 businesses, and implement fatigue countermeasures.
Today I came across an article in the TamilStar.com from Sri Lanka. While the article is definitely not breaking any new editorial ground, it indicates an interest among Sri Lankans in shiftwork topics.
Today I came across an article in the TamilStar.com from Sri Lanka. While the article is definitely not breaking any new editorial ground, it indicates an interest among Sri Lankans in shiftwork topics.
Feb 12, 2008
Fatigue management and shiftwork training course for shiftwork managers
There aren't a lot of public courses created specifically to train managers in 24/7 opertaions so we like to let you know when they do come along. International Quality & Productivity Center, a global conference company, is running a series of training classes in 4 Australian cities during June and July of this year that you might want to consider. The program, FATIGUE MANAGEMENT & SHIFTWORK Exchanging Best Practice Strategies for Mitigating Fatigue Risk in a Shiftwork Environment, is lead by Drew Dawson, a professor and recognized sleepp and shiftwork expert. (The link gives you additional information and an early-bird discount of about 7% if you respond by April 8.)
The course covers topics of importance to managing shiftworkers and running a 24/7 operation. It includes information on fatigue countermeasures and shiftworker training, legal issues, and shiftwork management policies.
The course covers topics of importance to managing shiftworkers and running a 24/7 operation. It includes information on fatigue countermeasures and shiftworker training, legal issues, and shiftwork management policies.
Feb 8, 2008
Legislation (and pay raises?) in Pennsylvania nurses future?
The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article It's past time to relieve nurses
In Pa., they can be forced into extra shifts that discusses the forced overtime for nurses that can have them working 18 or even 24 hours straight.
While 12-hour shifts are increasingly commonplace -- very often by the demands of the shiftworkers -- shiftwork experts say that overtime beyond that should be infrequent, and limited in length to not more than 16 hours while a substitute is found. There clearly is a safety issue for both the nurses, the patients they serve, and others on the road when the fatigued nurses drive home.
The article mentions that state legislators are considering a ban, but that will not solve the problem. The problem is driven by a shortage of trained nurses. The solution doesn't lie in legislation alone. More nurses will need to be attracted to fill the gaps. That calls for a market solution -- raising the rate of pay to attract more nurses. That's the only way a new equilibrium will be found.
Managers of 24/7 operations, particularly those that absolutely must operate round-the-clock, and require skilled labor, should take note. Overworking employees creates extra costs and liabilities, and ultimately will drive employees away exacerbating the labor shortage.
I'm not advocating any particular action on anyone's part but the
In Pa., they can be forced into extra shifts that discusses the forced overtime for nurses that can have them working 18 or even 24 hours straight.
While 12-hour shifts are increasingly commonplace -- very often by the demands of the shiftworkers -- shiftwork experts say that overtime beyond that should be infrequent, and limited in length to not more than 16 hours while a substitute is found. There clearly is a safety issue for both the nurses, the patients they serve, and others on the road when the fatigued nurses drive home.
The article mentions that state legislators are considering a ban, but that will not solve the problem. The problem is driven by a shortage of trained nurses. The solution doesn't lie in legislation alone. More nurses will need to be attracted to fill the gaps. That calls for a market solution -- raising the rate of pay to attract more nurses. That's the only way a new equilibrium will be found.
Managers of 24/7 operations, particularly those that absolutely must operate round-the-clock, and require skilled labor, should take note. Overworking employees creates extra costs and liabilities, and ultimately will drive employees away exacerbating the labor shortage.
I'm not advocating any particular action on anyone's part but the
Feb 3, 2008
Adapting to night shifts -- helping shiftworkers adapt and avoid shiftworker maladaptation
Adapting to nighttime or daytime work requires synchronization of your biological clock (which controls your circadian rhythms) to the work schedule. Maladaptation results if your biological clock is not adjusted to the work schedule. To adapt the biological clock, shiftworkers must be exposed to daylight (or bright artificial light of 1,000 lux or more) both upon awakening and
throughout their active periods (for example, during work hours).
Also, shiftworkers must avoid bright light from approximately three hours prior to the end of their long sleep period.
Other health effects such as increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep disorders have been historically documented in populations subjected to shiftwork maladaptation. The combined effects of disrupted sleep and biological clock disorganization can lead to endurance degradation, jet-lag-like symptoms, irritability, depression, and, in extreme cases, psychosis.
Optimizing Adaptation to Shiftwork
Optimizing shiftworker rest, while preventing shift lag (inadequate adjustment to shiftwork schedules), can contribute significantly to shiftworker adaptation to work and life aboard a maritime vessel.
Listed below are some recommendations that can prevent shift schedules from inducing short and disrupted sleep periods and shift lag.
Total Adaptation to Night Work
throughout their active periods (for example, during work hours).
Also, shiftworkers must avoid bright light from approximately three hours prior to the end of their long sleep period.
The only way to fully adapt to nightshift schedules is to reset the biological clock so that energy peaks during nighttime. Work must take place under artificial light (of at least 1000 lux) that mimics daylight. Although this is a far lower level than actual daylight, it will seem far brighter than normal indoor lighting which is typically in the 300-400 lux range. Sleep must take place in a dark and noise-free environment for approximately seven to eight hours. Failure to control daylight and/or light exposure is a significant contributor to fatigue and shiftwork maladaptation.Maladaptation to shiftwork schedules and lack of energy-restoration sleep can result in persistent sleepiness, low energy, lack of motivation, and depression; in performance degradation during duty hours; and in increased safety risk.
Other health effects such as increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep disorders have been historically documented in populations subjected to shiftwork maladaptation. The combined effects of disrupted sleep and biological clock disorganization can lead to endurance degradation, jet-lag-like symptoms, irritability, depression, and, in extreme cases, psychosis.
Optimizing Adaptation to Shiftwork
Optimizing shiftworker rest, while preventing shift lag (inadequate adjustment to shiftwork schedules), can contribute significantly to shiftworker adaptation to work and life aboard a maritime vessel.
Listed below are some recommendations that can prevent shift schedules from inducing short and disrupted sleep periods and shift lag.
Avoid allowing staff to work more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Count
these 24 hours from the time shiftworkers wake up from their longest daily sleep
period (not naps).
Total Adaptation to Night Work
- Provide bright-light exposure (e.g., fluorescent bulbs of at least 1000 lux) during the work period. Note: This artificial-light exposure can only be implemented in environments where night vision is not required for performing normal duties (so, for instance, ambulance drivers who will need to be able to drive in the dark at night should not be exposed to bright artificial lighting between calls).
- Provide nightshift staff with small-size meals that promote energy and alertness (high protein, low fat, low sugar, low starch, no dairy products or turkey).
- Adjust meal times so nightshift personnel can eat a brunch on waking (at approximately 1:00 pm), including brewed coffee and breakfast foods, if desired.
- Adapt the cafeteria services to accommodate crewmember needs. This accommodation supports both safety and crew morale.
Partial Adaptation to Night Watch or Work Schedules
When bright lights cannot be used in the work environment, stick to the following recommendations:
- Reduce the duration of the shift in order to minimize the impact of endurance degradation on safety. Promote exercise in the evening hours.
- Allow shiftworkers from any shift ending in the morning hours to retire prior to sunrise, and to sleep at least seven to eight hours free of noise and with absolutely no interruptions.
- Overtime should be scheduled to occur after wake-up time (e.g., from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm), whereas leisure activities should be scheduled for the evening hours.
Source: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/cems/PDF/light_management.pdf.
Feb 1, 2008
Shiftworkers share what it's really like to work shiftwork
The experts have a lot to say that can be helpful to shiftworkers and 24/7 managers -- advice on sleep and napping, shift scheduling, fatigue countermeasures, caffeine, shiftworker lifestyle training, etc. But, a central goal of the National Shiftwork Information Center is to provide a place where shiftworkers of all types can exchange ideas -- shiftworker to shiftworker.
So, here are some additional quotes, from conversations with the shiftworkers in the U.S. National Weather Service. The question posed was, "tell us what shifwork is really like for you?" Here's what three shiftworkers had to say:
"Shiftwork is definitely not for everyone...it is hard on your body and you never seem to get enough rest. However, meteorologists are but a few of the career fields that rotate shifts, and the rewards of a job which is always different and presents new challenges cannot be overestimated. "
Another person said ...
"I would rather work an evening shift or a mid than days. It is so hard to get up early and I love having weekdays off sometimes. Also, we get enough weekends off to satisfy "weekend trips" that I need to take sometimes. Also, working 9 to 5 all of the time can get monotonous. "
Finally, we heard this ...
"Due to the fact that weather does not work a 9 to 5 schedule, having to staff National Weather Service (NWS) field offices around the clock is necessary. I don't know if there is a better solution at this time than rotating shifts. The few studies that I've read and agree with suggest that if you must work rotating shifts, then work a week or longer of the same shift and then rotate to the next shift. Our office rotates this way, as do many others in the NWS. After 3 years of shift work, I don't think I would WANT to go back to working straight day shifts from 8 to 5. I enjoy having weekdays off to get things done such as going to the post office, banking and the like. Sure, I may miss out on some social gatherings, but I would even if I worked straight day shifts. Shiftwork in the summer is great, in that you can often enjoy most of the daylight hours with the kids or other family before going in to work. "
As you can see, there are drawbacks and challenges but also many reasons people like shiftwork.
What is shifwork really like for you? Post your comment below.
Ed
So, here are some additional quotes, from conversations with the shiftworkers in the U.S. National Weather Service. The question posed was, "tell us what shifwork is really like for you?" Here's what three shiftworkers had to say:
"Shiftwork is definitely not for everyone...it is hard on your body and you never seem to get enough rest. However, meteorologists are but a few of the career fields that rotate shifts, and the rewards of a job which is always different and presents new challenges cannot be overestimated. "
Another person said ...
"I would rather work an evening shift or a mid than days. It is so hard to get up early and I love having weekdays off sometimes. Also, we get enough weekends off to satisfy "weekend trips" that I need to take sometimes. Also, working 9 to 5 all of the time can get monotonous. "
Finally, we heard this ...
"Due to the fact that weather does not work a 9 to 5 schedule, having to staff National Weather Service (NWS) field offices around the clock is necessary. I don't know if there is a better solution at this time than rotating shifts. The few studies that I've read and agree with suggest that if you must work rotating shifts, then work a week or longer of the same shift and then rotate to the next shift. Our office rotates this way, as do many others in the NWS. After 3 years of shift work, I don't think I would WANT to go back to working straight day shifts from 8 to 5. I enjoy having weekdays off to get things done such as going to the post office, banking and the like. Sure, I may miss out on some social gatherings, but I would even if I worked straight day shifts. Shiftwork in the summer is great, in that you can often enjoy most of the daylight hours with the kids or other family before going in to work. "
As you can see, there are drawbacks and challenges but also many reasons people like shiftwork.
What is shifwork really like for you? Post your comment below.
Ed
Jan 31, 2008
Car plant goes to 24/7 schedule -- adds nightshift
The Nissan plant in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, is adding additional employees and a night shift to keep up with demand for the model car produced there -- the Qashqai. An article in The Chronicle discusses the success of the plant and some of the issues that arise when converting to 24/7 operation.
Jan 27, 2008
Does working shiftwork make it harder not to gain weight, or to stick to a diet?
The National Weather Service operates 24/7, 365 days a year, covering weather developments across the country. If you live in areas affected by blizzards, droughts, hurricanes, tornados, floods, or other weather events, or if you fly a plane or sail a boat, I'm sure you appreciate that the National Weather Service is on the job. In the coming weeks, I'll be bringing you excerpts of interviews with National Weather Service employees, so you can hear, in their own words, their shiftwork tips.
Today, we're hearing about managing your weight. Here are some interview excerpts:
"In general, I have had to be more aware of keeping my weight down since I started working full time rotating shifts for NWS. I have a tendency to grab something sweet and fattening to eat, especially when I'm tired. One of the things I try to do while at work is limit my intake of cold drinks to one, diet or regular, per shift, and then drink water or fruit juice the rest of the shift. The more water I drink, the fuller I feel and less likely I'll be to snack on junk food. I also try to bring low fat snacks and meals with me to work.
"Also, I've joined a health club that is close to the office. Having the health club so close by gives me quick access to a work out before or after my shift, and I'm less likely to bail out because of a long travel time. If you don't have access to a health club or don't care to join one, you could try to plan some kind of physical activity with your spouse, your kids, or a friend. This way you can combine quality visit time and exercise. "
What do you think? Post your comments.
Ed
Today, we're hearing about managing your weight. Here are some interview excerpts:
"In general, I have had to be more aware of keeping my weight down since I started working full time rotating shifts for NWS. I have a tendency to grab something sweet and fattening to eat, especially when I'm tired. One of the things I try to do while at work is limit my intake of cold drinks to one, diet or regular, per shift, and then drink water or fruit juice the rest of the shift. The more water I drink, the fuller I feel and less likely I'll be to snack on junk food. I also try to bring low fat snacks and meals with me to work.
"Also, I've joined a health club that is close to the office. Having the health club so close by gives me quick access to a work out before or after my shift, and I'm less likely to bail out because of a long travel time. If you don't have access to a health club or don't care to join one, you could try to plan some kind of physical activity with your spouse, your kids, or a friend. This way you can combine quality visit time and exercise. "
What do you think? Post your comments.
Ed
Jan 26, 2008
Why managers in 24/7 need to pay attention to the special needs of shiftworkers
There are about 25 million shiftworkers in this country. They work in factories, hospitals, power plants, railroads, police and fire departments, mines, paper mills, and hundreds of other types of 24-hour operations.
But shiftworkers do more than work at night. They work out of sync with the human body's natural instinct for being awake during the day and sleeping at night. This creates increased health and safety risks for shiftworkers in addition to the health and safety issues faced by their day-working counterparts. To improve the health and safety of employees, employers must address a number of additional areas.
These fall into two categories: employee lifestyle training and corporate policies and practices.
Because of the disruption to their circadian rhythms, nightshift workers have a higher incidence of ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders, more on-the-job and driving home accidents, lower productivity, and higher absenteeism and turnover--to name some of the most common "hidden" costs of operating around the clock. To reduce or eliminate these costs requires a comprehensive program that addresses the operational, physiological, and sociological factors.
Compared to well-rested people, tired people move slower and work less efficiently. They don't find better ways to accomplish their tasks. They pay less attention to what they're doing and take longer to respond to mistakes. Response to alarms is slower, tools are dropped, and productivity suffers.
This is equally true for nuclear power plant engineers, pilots, manufacturing control room operators, air traffic controllers, police officers, and firefighters--anyone who works at night. In fact, even people who work 9-to-5 can benefit from increased alertness.
We'll have more to say on shiftwork and management practices.
Ed
For further reading:
* Best practices for managing a shiftwork operation
* Shiftworker lifestyle training: fatigue countermeasures, sleep strategies, and more
* Shiftwork training to improve alertness and safety on the night shift
* Shiftwork schedules: fixed or rotating
* Shiftwork schedules in the 24/7 world
*
But shiftworkers do more than work at night. They work out of sync with the human body's natural instinct for being awake during the day and sleeping at night. This creates increased health and safety risks for shiftworkers in addition to the health and safety issues faced by their day-working counterparts. To improve the health and safety of employees, employers must address a number of additional areas.
These fall into two categories: employee lifestyle training and corporate policies and practices.
Because of the disruption to their circadian rhythms, nightshift workers have a higher incidence of ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders, more on-the-job and driving home accidents, lower productivity, and higher absenteeism and turnover--to name some of the most common "hidden" costs of operating around the clock. To reduce or eliminate these costs requires a comprehensive program that addresses the operational, physiological, and sociological factors.
Tired people don't find better ways to accomplish their tasks. They pay less attention to what they're doing and take longer to respond to mistakes.In spite of the long years of schooling and training in many cases, shiftworkers and their managers are given no formal preparation on handling the special demands of working at night. There is no course on how to work long shifts or how to keep alert and effective. The fatigue that comes along with the job adversely affects attention, judgment, energy, morale, and motivation.
Compared to well-rested people, tired people move slower and work less efficiently. They don't find better ways to accomplish their tasks. They pay less attention to what they're doing and take longer to respond to mistakes. Response to alarms is slower, tools are dropped, and productivity suffers.
This is equally true for nuclear power plant engineers, pilots, manufacturing control room operators, air traffic controllers, police officers, and firefighters--anyone who works at night. In fact, even people who work 9-to-5 can benefit from increased alertness.
We'll have more to say on shiftwork and management practices.
Ed
For further reading:
* Best practices for managing a shiftwork operation
* Shiftworker lifestyle training: fatigue countermeasures, sleep strategies, and more
* Shiftwork training to improve alertness and safety on the night shift
* Shiftwork schedules: fixed or rotating
* Shiftwork schedules in the 24/7 world
*
Jan 21, 2008
Why shiftworkers enjoy shiftwork
Earlier this month I came across a post on someone's personal blog that I can paraphrase as "no one likes shiftwork, no one works shiftwork by choice, and all shiftworkers are looking to get out of it the first chance they get."
I posted a comment saying that's not the case. I think the blogger was projecting her dissatisfaction with shiftwork on everyone else. Of course there are many challenges to working shiftwork. We know it. We find ways to manage them, or minimize them.
Through the years I have heard from or about many shiftworkers who prefer shiftwork for all kinds of reasons. Here are some:
The type of work may be of interest -- doctors and nurses in hospitals, pilots, railroad engineers, police officers, and many other professions have jobs that need to be available 24/7. If your life's dream is to be a railroad engineer, you're going to be a shiftworker and be happy about .
The shiftworker lifestyle may be preferable -- having free time during the day, particularly mid-week, provides some advantages such as cheaper skiing or movies, less-crowded beaches, etc. Also, for night owl types, not having to wake up in the early morning to get to a 9-to-5 job may be a big plus.
The logistics may be better -- parents may be able to better share child care when one works at night (I saw an article this weekend on that, For parents, avoiding day care not an easy proposition), avoiding rush hour traffic, parking may be more readily available or may be free at night, and there are many other such reasons.
The pay may be better than comparable day work -- is this a real reason for preferring shiftwork or are people just being bought off? I say yes. I'd prefer to spend my life sleeping in late, going for a bike ride or a run, and listening to music or reading a good book. I compromise because of my work. I PREFER to work because, for one reason, I get paid for doing it, and I haven't found anyone who will pay me for listing to my iPod or riding my bike. Shiftworkers, like everyone, make this calculation.
I've heard from shiftworkers who like working at night because there are fewer meetings and fewer supervisors around. There are all sorts of reasons shiftworkers like and even prefer shiftwork.
What do you like best about shiftwork? Share your thoughts.
Ed
I posted a comment saying that's not the case. I think the blogger was projecting her dissatisfaction with shiftwork on everyone else. Of course there are many challenges to working shiftwork. We know it. We find ways to manage them, or minimize them.
Through the years I have heard from or about many shiftworkers who prefer shiftwork for all kinds of reasons. Here are some:
The type of work may be of interest -- doctors and nurses in hospitals, pilots, railroad engineers, police officers, and many other professions have jobs that need to be available 24/7. If your life's dream is to be a railroad engineer, you're going to be a shiftworker and be happy about .
The shiftworker lifestyle may be preferable -- having free time during the day, particularly mid-week, provides some advantages such as cheaper skiing or movies, less-crowded beaches, etc. Also, for night owl types, not having to wake up in the early morning to get to a 9-to-5 job may be a big plus.
The logistics may be better -- parents may be able to better share child care when one works at night (I saw an article this weekend on that, For parents, avoiding day care not an easy proposition), avoiding rush hour traffic, parking may be more readily available or may be free at night, and there are many other such reasons.
The pay may be better than comparable day work -- is this a real reason for preferring shiftwork or are people just being bought off? I say yes. I'd prefer to spend my life sleeping in late, going for a bike ride or a run, and listening to music or reading a good book. I compromise because of my work. I PREFER to work because, for one reason, I get paid for doing it, and I haven't found anyone who will pay me for listing to my iPod or riding my bike. Shiftworkers, like everyone, make this calculation.
I've heard from shiftworkers who like working at night because there are fewer meetings and fewer supervisors around. There are all sorts of reasons shiftworkers like and even prefer shiftwork.
What do you like best about shiftwork? Share your thoughts.
Ed
Jan 20, 2008
Shiftwork schedule factors: work-rest ratios and predictability
As part of our continuing discussion of shiftwork scheduling factors, today we're talking about time on the job compared to time off. We'll also discuss the predictability of the schedule. A fixed or regularly rotating schedule may be daunting at times but an unpredictable schedule, such as those worked traditionally on the railroads takes an even greater toll.
The more a person works, the less time he or she will have for rest. People who work an 8-hour shift will have 16 hours left in a day to do everything else, and also to get some rest. People who work a 12-hour shift have only 12 hours to do everything else and to rest. In a situation like this, the extra work hours mean more tiredness and less time for rest.
This is a two-edged sword. For example, many times a worker's home responsibilities, such as taking care of children, cannot change from day to day. So, if workers do overtime or a 12-hour shift, they still must take care of home duties. Since these duties take the same amount of time every day, workers may sacrifice rest and sleep after a long workday.
This example shows us how important the length of shift can be in terms of stress and fatigue.
When looking at work versus rest, we also must consider how many breaks are taken during the shift and the length of breaks. Depending on the type of work and length of the day, several short breaks might be better than a few long breaks. Short breaks might be better particularly for jobs requiring heavy physical labor.
How tired a worker is also depends partly on how many days in a row he or she works. Fatigue builds up over several workdays, as well as over a single workday. This happens especially when a per-son gets less sleep between workdays than on rest days. As we mentioned earlier, a worker might not get enough sleep between long workdays because of home responsibilities. So, if a person works several days in a row, for example, six or seven, a good deal of sleep might be lost. Then the worker feels quite tired during the last one or two shifts.
How Regular or Predictable?
Most jobs have a very regular, set schedule. A worker usually knows the schedule ahead of time. Even if the shift times change, a worker will know several days before-hand. This makes it easy to schedule other non-work activities, such as making sure somebody is at home when the children get there. Other jobs are not so regular or predictable.
For example, health care workers might respond to emergencies that keep them on the job much longer than expected. Or, they might be on call for such emergencies. At a factory, a breakdown or a last-minute call for a product might keep workers at the plant working overtime. Railroad workers sometimes work off a “call board.” This means they can be assigned to a train at the last minute to move a “just-in-time” order of goods.
If workers cannot predict their schedules, it is difficult to get adequate rest. Maybe they just get to sleep when they are called back to work, or maybe they have just worked a long shift when an emergency happens. So, they stay at work a few more hours. Maybe they are on call and never get deep, satisfying sleep because they are always listening for the phone. Some people call this “sleeping with one eye open.”
The more a person works, the less time he or she will have for rest. People who work an 8-hour shift will have 16 hours left in a day to do everything else, and also to get some rest. People who work a 12-hour shift have only 12 hours to do everything else and to rest. In a situation like this, the extra work hours mean more tiredness and less time for rest.
This is a two-edged sword. For example, many times a worker's home responsibilities, such as taking care of children, cannot change from day to day. So, if workers do overtime or a 12-hour shift, they still must take care of home duties. Since these duties take the same amount of time every day, workers may sacrifice rest and sleep after a long workday.
This example shows us how important the length of shift can be in terms of stress and fatigue.
When looking at work versus rest, we also must consider how many breaks are taken during the shift and the length of breaks. Depending on the type of work and length of the day, several short breaks might be better than a few long breaks. Short breaks might be better particularly for jobs requiring heavy physical labor.
How tired a worker is also depends partly on how many days in a row he or she works. Fatigue builds up over several workdays, as well as over a single workday. This happens especially when a per-son gets less sleep between workdays than on rest days. As we mentioned earlier, a worker might not get enough sleep between long workdays because of home responsibilities. So, if a person works several days in a row, for example, six or seven, a good deal of sleep might be lost. Then the worker feels quite tired during the last one or two shifts.
How Regular or Predictable?
Most jobs have a very regular, set schedule. A worker usually knows the schedule ahead of time. Even if the shift times change, a worker will know several days before-hand. This makes it easy to schedule other non-work activities, such as making sure somebody is at home when the children get there. Other jobs are not so regular or predictable.
For example, health care workers might respond to emergencies that keep them on the job much longer than expected. Or, they might be on call for such emergencies. At a factory, a breakdown or a last-minute call for a product might keep workers at the plant working overtime. Railroad workers sometimes work off a “call board.” This means they can be assigned to a train at the last minute to move a “just-in-time” order of goods.
If workers cannot predict their schedules, it is difficult to get adequate rest. Maybe they just get to sleep when they are called back to work, or maybe they have just worked a long shift when an emergency happens. So, they stay at work a few more hours. Maybe they are on call and never get deep, satisfying sleep because they are always listening for the phone. Some people call this “sleeping with one eye open.”
Jan 19, 2008
Shiftwork schedule factors: speed and direction of rotation
Adapting to rotating shifts can be affected by the speed of rotation and the direction of rotation. Speed of rotation means the number of consecutive day, evening, or night shifts before a shift change occurs. Direction of rotation means the order of shift change:
- A forward rotation is in the clockwise direction, from day to evening to night shift.
- A backward rotation is in the counterclockwise direction, from day to night to evening shift.
Different rotation speeds also affect a worker's ability to get used to change of shift times. We have already talked about the same situation under permanent versus rotating shifts. Longer rotations (for example, three to four weeks of working the same hours) are sup-posed to allow workers more time to get used to night shifts.
However, workers usually return to a day schedule on their days off. A fast rotation (every two days, for example) allows no time to get used to night work. Some researchers prefer the fast rotation, because the worker quickly gets through the tough shifts and then has a couple of days off. Very fast rotations are used in Europe more than in America.
Direction of rotation can affect the ability of circadian (daily body) rhythms to adapt to the change in work times. Sleep, for example, is a circadian rhythm because each person sleeps for part of every day. Some researchers suggest that a forward, or clockwise, rotation is better for helping a worker adjust to new sleep times.
This suggestion was made because it is easier to go to bed later and wake up later than earlier. Our body rhythms make us feel more awake and alert in the early evening. This makes it harder to fall asleep earlier. Backward rotations work against the body rhythm by forcing the worker to go to sleep earlier and earlier.
Although we don't have hard and fast numbers, it seems that back-ward rotation schedules are used frequently in the United States. It is not completely clear why. It is partly because of custom (We always did it this way) and partly because workers like the “long change.”
In the long change, workers pick up an extra day off when going to evening shifts after night shifts. This happens because evening shift starts late in the day, which leaves most of that day free for non-work activities.
We'll continue this discussion of shiftwork schedule factors.
Other recent posts on shiftwork scheduling include:
Ed
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
Jan 13, 2008
Las Vegas's shiftworkers get voice in political caucuses
Democratic caucuses for the shiftworkers on the Las Vegas have become a point of contention.
There may be no place on earth where the 24/7 world is more vibrantly on display than the Las Vegas strip. Whenever caucuses would be held, some portion of these shiftworkers would therefore need to miss them since they would be working.
But, casino operators and Democratic party officials have arranged to hold caucuses at nine casinos on Las Vegas's famed "strip" along Las Vegas Boulevard. Employees at all nine casinos are represented by Culinary Workers Union 226 which has publicly endorsed Barack Obama. Those filing the suit claim that the location of the caucuses favors the union and disadvantages shiftworkers for non-organized casinos who may need to walk long distances or navigate the always-busy traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard to get to caucus sites.
Without wading into the political arena, I just think it's great that Nevada has recognized the special challenges shiftworkers face in facets of every day life. While I know many shiftworkers would like to ban their neighbors from mowing their lawn at 11:00 in the morning I don't think that's likely to happen on a widespread basis. But, there certainly are other steps local governments and civic leaders can take to better accomodate shiftworkers' needs.
What sort of similar arrangements could be made that would help your day-to-day life? Post your comment.
Ed
There may be no place on earth where the 24/7 world is more vibrantly on display than the Las Vegas strip. Whenever caucuses would be held, some portion of these shiftworkers would therefore need to miss them since they would be working.
But, casino operators and Democratic party officials have arranged to hold caucuses at nine casinos on Las Vegas's famed "strip" along Las Vegas Boulevard. Employees at all nine casinos are represented by Culinary Workers Union 226 which has publicly endorsed Barack Obama. Those filing the suit claim that the location of the caucuses favors the union and disadvantages shiftworkers for non-organized casinos who may need to walk long distances or navigate the always-busy traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard to get to caucus sites.
Without wading into the political arena, I just think it's great that Nevada has recognized the special challenges shiftworkers face in facets of every day life. While I know many shiftworkers would like to ban their neighbors from mowing their lawn at 11:00 in the morning I don't think that's likely to happen on a widespread basis. But, there certainly are other steps local governments and civic leaders can take to better accomodate shiftworkers' needs.
What sort of similar arrangements could be made that would help your day-to-day life? Post your comment.
Ed
Additional information on this story:
Jan 11, 2008
When Time magazine covered shiftwork
Tonight as I sat in my office working at the computer I came across an online article I hadn't seen in many years. Back in 1999, Time magazine ran a long piece on the challenges of shiftwork called In the Deep of the Night. (Yours truly is quoted on the third page of the article.)
The article discusses the alertness and safety challenges, the scheduling issues, and more.
And, while we're talking about some old articles, I'm reminded of an article that appeared in Inc. magazine which covered a man who proudly declared he was much more productive in a 24-hour period because he had trained himself to sleep less. That of course is bu**. You can click here to read the article, "Sleep is for Wusses" and my letter to the editor in reply about the dangers, and the costs, of inadequate sleep.
Ed
The article discusses the alertness and safety challenges, the scheduling issues, and more.
And, while we're talking about some old articles, I'm reminded of an article that appeared in Inc. magazine which covered a man who proudly declared he was much more productive in a 24-hour period because he had trained himself to sleep less. That of course is bu**. You can click here to read the article, "Sleep is for Wusses" and my letter to the editor in reply about the dangers, and the costs, of inadequate sleep.
Ed
Jan 8, 2008
Shiftwork schedules: fixed or rotating
Although some might think workers who always work the night shifts adapt or get used to their work times -- usually the longer somebody does something, the easier it becomes. Over time, many nightshift workers develop techniques to better maintain their alertness but the fact is most nightshift workers are not able to fully adapt and therefore, at least some time, they work in the fog of fatigue.
This fatigue happens because most nightshift workers revert to a day schedule when they're off from work, since that's when most of the world is awake during the day and sleeping at night. Also, many of the errands and chores that accumulate while we're working must be done during the day.
As a result most nightshift workers return to a day schedule so they never completely allow their sleep and body rhythms to adapt to being awake at night. They also sleep less during the day, so they don't recover from fatigue. This fatigue can carry over from day to day. Over several days, fatigue can accumulate to unsafe levels.
People working rotating shiftwork schedules face a similar situation. Because the shift times are always changing, they can never completely adapt to a set shift work schedule. Rotating shiftwork schedules are often used because they are considered fairer to all workers. Everybody in the workforce takes their turn at both the popular and unpopular shifts. Rotating shiftworkers are always trying to get used to changing work times.
This is not easy, which is why rotating shiftworkers have more complaints than other workers about physical health and psychological stress. Research has shown that rotating shifts have special features that might affect a person's ability to get used to the schedule.
I'll talk about those special features in future posts. -- Ed
This fatigue happens because most nightshift workers revert to a day schedule when they're off from work, since that's when most of the world is awake during the day and sleeping at night. Also, many of the errands and chores that accumulate while we're working must be done during the day.
As a result most nightshift workers return to a day schedule so they never completely allow their sleep and body rhythms to adapt to being awake at night. They also sleep less during the day, so they don't recover from fatigue. This fatigue can carry over from day to day. Over several days, fatigue can accumulate to unsafe levels.
People working rotating shiftwork schedules face a similar situation. Because the shift times are always changing, they can never completely adapt to a set shift work schedule. Rotating shiftwork schedules are often used because they are considered fairer to all workers. Everybody in the workforce takes their turn at both the popular and unpopular shifts. Rotating shiftworkers are always trying to get used to changing work times.
This is not easy, which is why rotating shiftworkers have more complaints than other workers about physical health and psychological stress. Research has shown that rotating shifts have special features that might affect a person's ability to get used to the schedule.
I'll talk about those special features in future posts. -- Ed
Source: Plain Language About Shiftwork (NIOSH)
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