12 Mar Shift Work Safety – Make Shift Work Safe Work

Shift Work Safety – Make Shift Work Safe Work

Shift work safety requires workers to recognize that evening, night, early-morning, and rotating shifts can create hazards that may be different from those encountered during normal daytime operations. Fatigue, reduced visibility, lower staffing levels, disrupted sleep, and decreased alertness can increase the risk of errors and injuries.

Regardless of when your shift begins or ends, the same safety procedures and expectations apply.

Shift Work Hazards

Employees working nonstandard hours may encounter additional challenges, including:

• Reduced visibility during nighttime work.
• Fatigue and decreased concentration.
• Slower reaction times and impaired decision-making.
• Reduced staffing or supervision.
• Fewer employees available to assist during emergencies.
• Increased risk while driving during late-night or early-morning hours.
• Disrupted eating and sleeping schedules.
• Difficulty adjusting to rotating or changing shifts.
• Working alone or in isolated areas.
• Increased security concerns during nighttime operations.
• Reduced access to support services, maintenance personnel, or emergency resources.

Workers should consider these conditions when planning and performing their work.

Fatigue and Shift Work

Fatigue is one of the most significant hazards associated with shift work. The body’s natural sleep-wake cycle generally promotes alertness during daylight hours and sleep during nighttime hours. Working against this natural cycle can make it difficult to remain alert.

Fatigue can result in:

• Reduced concentration and attention.
• Slower reaction time.
• Poor judgment and decision-making.
• Difficulty remembering instructions.
• Reduced coordination.
• Increased errors.
• Failure to recognize changing hazards.
• Microsleeps or unintended periods of sleep.

Never assume you can safely “push through” severe fatigue when performing safety-sensitive work.

Reducing Fatigue

Employees can help reduce fatigue by:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule whenever possible.
• Getting sufficient sleep before reporting to work.
• Keeping the sleeping area dark, quiet, and comfortable.
• Limiting interruptions during scheduled sleep periods.
• Maintaining regular meals and healthy eating habits.
• Avoiding heavy meals immediately before sleeping.
• Exercising regularly when appropriate.
• Using caffeine strategically rather than relying on excessive amounts to compensate for inadequate sleep.
• Avoiding alcohol before scheduled sleep or work.
• Taking authorized rest breaks.
• Reporting fatigue when it could affect the safe performance of assigned duties.

Working Safely at Night

Good planning can help compensate for conditions associated with nighttime work.

• Provide adequate lighting for work areas, stairs, walkways, equipment, and access routes.
• Inspect the work area for hazards that may be difficult to see at night.
• Wear high-visibility clothing when exposed to vehicle or mobile-equipment traffic.
• Maintain good communication with supervisors and coworkers.
• Know who is working in your area and how to contact them.
• Verify that emergency communication systems are available.
• Avoid working alone when the task requires another employee for safe performance.
• Maintain comfortable temperatures and adequate ventilation where possible.
• Keep work areas clean and organized to reduce slip, trip, and fall hazards.

Staying Alert

Employees should monitor themselves and coworkers for signs of excessive fatigue. Warning signs may include frequent yawning, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, irritability, slowed reactions, repeated mistakes, or difficulty keeping the eyes open.

If fatigue is affecting your ability to work safely, stop the hazardous activity when necessary and notify your supervisor. Safety-sensitive tasks should not continue when fatigue creates an unacceptable risk.

Driving After a Shift

Fatigue does not end when the work shift ends. Employees should consider their alertness before driving home, particularly after overnight or extended shifts.

Do not drive when you are too fatigued to operate a vehicle safely. Follow company fatigue-management and transportation procedures when applicable.

Remember

Working nights, evenings, early mornings, or rotating schedules requires additional attention to fatigue, lighting, communication, and changing workplace conditions. Stay alert, follow established procedures, and speak up when fatigue or shift conditions could make the work unsafe.