Question:
I am looking for information as to how shift work (i.e. swing shift and
graveyard shift) affect the human body and mind. Specifically in terms of
health, safety and productivity in the workplace.
My boss is of the mind that it as long as the total number of hours
worked is the same it doesn't matter whether one works a day shift or
a swing shift. My body tells me otherwise.
Answer:
If you are in Canada tell your boss to talk to Sleep/Wake Disorders
Canada in Toronto at 1-800-387-9253 or 416-787-5374. They put him on the
right track.
There is no doubt that shiftwork affects the health, safety, and
productivity or the worker. There have been countless studies conducted
by researchers, private consultancies, and goverment agencies on the
rigors of shiftwork. One of the most comprehensive was published by The
Office for Technology Assessment, on the Biological Effects of
Shiftwork.
Our firm is attempting to mitigate some of the effects of shiftwork by
providing a means for the shiftworker to adapt physiologically to night
work. We have installed out Circadian Lighting Systems in nuclear and
fossil power plants, oil and chemical processing facilities, the NRC
headquarters, as well as in a manufacturing environment and a hospital
clinical setting. In all completed projects, we collected data
demonstrating enhanced alertness and cognitive performance on-shift, a
safer commute home from night shift, and better and longer sleep during
the day after working nights. Workers also reported improved family
relations.
Please, if you would like to know more, call me during EST office hours,
or e-mail me your telephone number and a good time to call.
I am working in a shiftwork research team at the university of
Karlsruhe. We propose that you read the book "Shiftwork - Problems and
Solutions" (Editors: W.P. Colquhoun, G. Costa, S. Folkard, P. Knauth)
published by Peter Lang Verlag.
Especially chapters 2 (Biological disruption in shiftworkers),
3 (Effects on performance efficiency),
4 (Psychosocial effects) and
5 (Effects on health and well-being)
should provide information on the subjects you are interested in. In
case you don't have access to the book, we could send you a copy of the
chapters mentioned above.
