Unsocial hours

Shiftwork: why it can be a problem and how OH can help

Summary:

Shiftwork, and night work in particular, is known to have negative health consequences. Philip Tucker examines the research evidence and considers its practical implications for individual shiftworkers and for the design of safer shift systems.

Society needs shiftworkers. Commercial organisations increasingly offer services outside of ‘normal’ business hours, while for some industries, such as steel production, continuous operation 24/7 is an operational necessity. For other industries, it is an economic necessity, with continuous operation providing maximum return on capital investment. And of course, society needs to be able to call on emergency services, and to ensure the maintenance of essential services, at all times. Around 21% of workers in Europe are engaged in some form of shiftwork, many of whom (though not all) work night shifts as part of their schedule.

But what are the consequences of trying to meet the demands of a society that never sleeps?…

 

Dr Philip Tucker is associate professor of psychology at Swansea University. He is also a guest researcher at the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University, Sweden, where his research includes the impact of working hours on health and safety.

Author: Tucker P

Tags shiftwork

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2023 (vol. 20/3) pp15-19

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