Nightshift issues

Many workers today work in some form of shift work.That is not just a nine to five shift.This is partly due to our conceiving of work schedules as being a more 24 hr. affair.Some services of course require this such as emergency work and nursing.Increasingly though it is a function of our 24/7 society wanting services provided at all hours.In addition of course shutdown schedules in certain construction jobs require such approaches to work to expedite tight planning schedules.Sometimes this is seen as the most efficient means to completion of such work,but there are many inherent risks ,safety hazards and health and wellness issues that need to be seriously considered.Some Safety problems associated with shiftwork include:
''...
* performance
* risk of accidents
* violence

Performance

Most night workers complain of sleepiness. Sometimes they fall asleep on the job. Performing tasks that require alertness may be worse at night, when workers' bodies are prepared for sleep. Performance levels appear to be lowest between 3:30 A.M. and 5:30 A.M. An accumulated sleep deficit from prolonged shiftwork can decrease a worker's level of performance and alertness, regardless of the time of day.

Working extended shifts can also cause poor performance and decreased alertness. Performance deteriorates on extended work shifts where the work is physically or mentally demanding. Perception and decision-making ability may also be affected on extended shifts.

Risk of accidents

Shiftwork can lead to sleepiness and decrease performance, alertness, perception and decision-making ability. These factors can contribute to accidents and injuries. However, higher accident and injury rates have not been clearly linked to shiftwork because shiftwork is only one of many factors contributing to accidents and injuries.

Some evidence suggests that shiftworkers have a decreased ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

Violence

Certain types of shiftwork involve working alone at night. These workers may be more vulnerable to violence from customers, residents, inmates, etc.
How can shiftwork hazards be controlled?

Hazard controls for shiftwork include:

* organizational controls
* shift scheduling
* workplace design
* worker education and instruction
* violence policies

Organizational control options

* Limit shiftwork to essential jobs.

* Organize workloads so that the toughest and most dangerous tasks are completed early in the shift. Schedule less demanding tasks for late in the shift.

* Avoid scheduling demanding or dangerous tasks at the beginning of an early morning shift.

* Adjust the workload during the shift to prevent boredom.

* Ensure supervision is effective, particularly when accidents are more likely. Supervision is very important between 3:30 A.M. and 5:30 A.M. when performance is at its lowest. Younger workers appear to have more accidents at the start of a shift following a weekend. Older workers seem to have more accidents at the end of the shift.

* Supervise inexperienced workers more closely than others until they can do their jobs safely.

* Ensure shiftworkers have access to adequate meal facilities. Meals eaten on night shifts should be light, nutritious and easy to digest.

* Allow adequate meal and rest breaks. (For example, allow two short breaks and a meal break for each night shift).

* Implement effective emergency responses...."http://www.labour.gov.sk.ca/safety/shiftwork/printpage.htm