This article first appeared in Canadian Occupational Safety magazine's Problem Solvers column.

QUESTION:

What is the recommended procedure for designing a new shiftwork schedule that's tolerable for workers?

ANSWER:

You've already taken an important step by addressing this often overlooked issue. Any "irregular" shift, particularly one that includes nighttime work, disrupts the worker's natural body rhythms. A poorly designed schedule can cause acute fatigue, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal disorders and other health problems, not to mention a disrupted social and family life. This results in a high rate of absenteeism and low employee morale, and affects productivity.

Shiftwork design should be a collaborative effort between management and employees. The process involves the following:

1. Analyzing the company's operational requirements.

What are the company's expectations in terms of productivity, costs and savings? Will shifts be fixed or rotating? How will shifts be staffed? How will communications and maintenance be handled?

2. Surveying the workforce

If workers have questions about the new schedule, obtain the answers from management. Workers should be asking about shiftwork policies and procedures.

Find out workers' preferences, and discuss their feasibility. Workers might be unaware of changes necessary to protect their health due to shiftwork demands. For example, twelve-hour workdays may appeal to some because of the extra pay and long blocks of time off, but can have serious health effects on the worker.

A study of authoritative OH&S resources, some of which are listed below, reveals these commonly accepted shiftwork practises. Try to address all of these practises when developing policies and procedures:

Reduce night work as much as possible. The more consecutive nights worked, the more rest time should be allowed before the next rotation.

If rotating shifts are necessary, schedule rotations every 2 or 3 days if possible. Shorter rotations minimize hormonal disruptions to the body, and prevent fatigue from becoming chronic.

Always change shifts "ahead" and not "backward." Rotate from mornings to afternoons to nights, and not the reverse.

Always maintain the same sequence of rest and activities regardless of which shift you work. Always get a full period of sleep just before the next work shift so that you are rested and alert for work.

Don't start a shift before 6:00 a.m. The body is at its lowest peak just before sunrise. Early starting times are associated with higher accident and error rates, fatigue at work, and ineffective sleep.

Allow enough breaks to recover from fatigue during the shift. Workers must be allowed 10 to 15 minute rest breaks. The job should also allow workers to change position now and then, stretch, close their eyes or look somewhere else for a few seconds.

Keep schedules as simple and predictable as possible. Inform staff well in advance of schedules.

Allow as much flexibility as possible. Consider individual needs and preferences. For example, workers over 40 have more difficulty adjusting to night shift.

Customize shifts according to tasks. Schedule shorter shifts and longer rest breaks when work requires intense mental effort, hard physical labour or toxic exposure.

Provide suitable facilities to maximize the worker's safety and comfort. At the very least ensure good lighting and ventilation; minimal isolation; and appropriate first-aid facilities.

3. Once a shiftwork schedule has been established, implement it on a trial basis. Provide training about work load, pace, procedures and lifestyle adaptations.

4. Evaluate the success of the new schedule by monitoring health and safety. Pay attention to changes in accident rates, health levels and especially fatigue.

There's no such thing as a perfect schedule, however collaborative efforts will certainly pay off for all parties involved since worker satisfaction and productivity go hand in hand.

RESOURCES:

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
Publications include Rotational Shiftwork and The Extended Workday
Free Inquiries Service 1-800-668-4284

CCH Canadian Limited
Master Labour Guide- A Guide to Canadian Labour Law
Phone 1-800-268-4522

The U.S. National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH)
produces a wealth of health and safety information products
including:
Plain Language About Shiftwork
a free publication
Phone (513) 533-8328