© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1105 Alabama Retail is committed to partnering with our members to create and keep safe workplaces. Be sure to check out

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1105

Alabama Retail is committed to partnering with our

members to create and keep safe workplaces.

Be sure to check out all of the training tools that are available in our Safety

Library.This training tool is brought to This training tool is brought to

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Shiftwork Safety


Session Objectives

Recognize the health, social, and safety effects of working outside the usual 8-hour day shift

Identify strategies for minimizing the negative impact of shiftwork

Stay healthy and safe when working shifts


Negative EffectsOf Shiftwork• Upsets the body’s

circadian rhythm• May cause disorders

of the cardiovascular system• May cause risk of

cancer• Causes disorders

of the GI system


Negative Effects Of Shiftwork (cont.)

• Causes sleep deprivation

• Disrupts family and social life

• Reduces workplace safety and alertness


Cardiovascular Disorders• Heart rate and blood

pressure follow a circadian rhythm

• Increased levels of coronary risk factors

• Poor eating habits, lack of sleep

• Shiftwork not absolutely associated with cardiovascular disease


Circadian Rhythms

Internal clock

High activity periods

Disorientation and fatigue

Adapting to new schedules


Gastrointestinal Disorders• Food not digested

well at night• Indigestion, heartburn,

stomachache, and loss of appetite• Prepared foods may

be greasy and heavy• Increased snacking

on junk food• Carbonated drinks

can irritate the stomach


Sleep Deprivation• Body designed to sleep

at night and wake during the day

• Difficult to rest when body is awake

• Exposure to daylight makes it worse


Sleep Deprivation (cont.)

In addition:• The world is waking up• Alcohol and caffeine

consumption can interfere with sleep• Daytime sleep is not

as refreshing• Over time, unrelieved

sleep deprivation can cause physical and emotional problems


Preexisting Conditions• Shiftwork can interfere with

treatment of some diseases

• Workers may get ill when switched to night shift

• Check with your doctor if taking medication


Family and Social Life• Time with family

reduced

• Difficult to participate in outside activities

• Social interaction is related to physical and mental health

• Feeling of loneliness and isolation


Workplace Safety• Reduced concentration

• Decreased motivation

• Reduced reaction time

• Fatigue

• Increased risk of accidents and injuries


Effects of Shiftwork: Yes or No?

Increased risk of cancer

Cardiovascular disorders

Sleep deprivation

Gastrointestinal disorders

Interference with family and social life

Safety on the job


Effects of ShiftworkDo you understand the

effects of shiftwork?

• Health

• Social

• Safety


How to Reduce the Negative Effects of Shiftwork• Take steps to get more and better sleep

• Adjust your eating habits

• Exercise regularly

• Increase interaction with friends and family

• Develop strategies for staying alert at work


Strategies for Better Sleep

• Talk with family, friends, and neighbors

• Relax before going to sleep

• Set a sleeping schedule

• Sleep in a quiet, cool, darkened room



Strategies for Better Sleep (cont.)

• Have a light snack

• Take naps



• Maintain a regular eating pattern• Eat a balanced diet

and drink lots of water• Eat your main meal

according to your work schedule• Avoid heavy, greasy

foods at night• Limit intake of junk

food, alcohol, and caffeine

Diet and Eating Habits


Exercise• Develop an exercise

or stretching routine

• Exercise assists sleep quality

• Exercise improves alertness

• Avoid exercising before going to sleep


Family and Social Life• Schedule awake

time when family is home• Make friends with

same work schedule• Join a fitness or

hobby club• Schedule weekend

social functions during normal awake time


Keeping Alert at Work• Do physically

active work

• Change tasks every couple of hours

• Stay in contact with other workers


• Exercise or stretch

• Drink some caffeine

• Listen to music

Keeping Alert at Work (cont.)


• Avoid commuting fatigue

• Avoid sleeping pills and stimulants

• Never shortcut safety procedures

Other Shiftwork Tips

Never


Shiftwork Strategies: True or False?

Set a regular sleep schedule and stick to it.

To stay alert when working late, drink a lot of caffeine and eat a couple of candy bars.

Have a light snack before going to sleep.

Adjust your sleep time on days off to coincide with family activities.

Exercise right before going to bed.


Shiftwork StrategiesDo you understand:

• The strategies we’ve suggested for minimizing the negative impact of shiftwork?


Key Points to RememberTo stay healthy and safe while working shifts:

Maintain a regular sleep schedule

Eat a well-balanced, sensible diet

Get enough exercise

Spend time with family and friends

Keep alert on the job and follow all safe work practices

Documents

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1105 Alabama Retail is committed to partnering with our members to create and keep safe workplaces. Be sure to check out