Keep Your Shift Workers Alert And Safe

April 26, 2010

It is estimated that about 20% of Americans work other than a traditional 9 to 5 day-time shift. Sleep disruptions caused by shift work with non-traditional hours may result in lapses in attention and decreased reaction time. When these sleep disruptions are combined with the demands of family, it is not surprising that shift workers, including interns, nurses and 24-hour service center employees, are among the most susceptible to vehicular accidents due to drowsiness. Shift workers can reduce the impact of sleep disruption by insuring that they routinely have a quiet period at home to consistently obtain adequate sleep.

Employers can help by providing a quiet, comfortable area at work where employees can nap before starting home or nap during a break in their shift. Reducing the number of hours consecutively worked and rotating shift workers are other tools to maintain the alertness and safety of your valuable employees.