Workers who are on the job for extended or unusual shifts are often at risk for fatigue-related accidents and are a safety concern for all construction projects. Extended work hours are often factors in operator error, injuries and accidents.
According to OSHA, “Any shift that incorporates more continuous hours, requires more consecutive days of work, or requires work during the evening should be considered extended or unusual.” A normal work shift is considered to be eight hours.
Although there is no specific OSHA standard for extended or unusual work shifts, there are guidelines that are available to those managing workers in extended or unusual shifts. OSHA also reminds workers that it is also hazardous to wear some forms of protective equipment for extended periods. Fatigue and heat-related illness are common problems.
The symptoms of fatigue, both mental and physical, vary and depend on the person. Managers and supervisors should learn to recognize signs and symptoms of the potential health effects associated with extended and unusual work shifts. Some examples include:
- weariness
- sleepiness
- irritability
- reduced alertness, lack of concentration and memory
- lack of motivation
- increased susceptibility to illness
- depression
- headache
- giddiness
- loss of appetite and digestive problems
To address these hazards, OSHA recommends the following safety practices:
* When there is a choice, managers should limit the use of extended shifts and increase the number of days employees work. Working shifts longer than 8 hours will generally result in reduced productivity and alertness. Additional break periods and meals should be provided when shifts are extended past normal work periods. Tasks that require heavy physical labor or intense concentration should be performed at the beginning of the shift if possible.
* Workers who are being asked to work extended or irregular shifts should be diligently monitored for the signs and of fatigue. Any employee showing such signs should be evaluated and possibly directed to leave the active area and seek rest.
* Make efforts, whenever feasible, to ensure that unavoidable extended work shifts and shift changes allow affected employees time for adequate rest and recovery. Extended shifts should not be maintained for more than a few days, especially if they require heavy physical or mental exertion.
* Plan to have an adequate number of personnel available in order to enable workers to take breaks, eat meals, relax, and sleep. If at remote sites, ensure, as far as possible, that there is a quiet, secluded area designated for rest and recuperation.
* Plan for regular and frequent breaks throughout the work shift. In addition to formal breaks such as lunch or dinner, encourage the use of micro breaks to change positions, move about, and shift concentrate on.
