Occupational hazards - September 2020

As organisations are reopening workplaces, they are faced with a very complex situation, particularly around how they limit the number of people in one area, so they are Covid-secure and they adhere to physical distancing requirements. 

One way many organisations are getting around this is by introducing shift work patterns. This means they can put restrictions in place on how many people are in an office, for example, at the same time.

In many industries, shift work is par for the course and it is managed very well. However, in many others, it is something quite new and consideration must be given to how it impacts on the safety, health and wellbeing of employees.

Previous research funded by IOSH has indicated that people in general who work night shifts are approximately 25 to 30 per cent more at risk of injury than those working day shifts.

Shift work can have a negative effect on sleep quality, quality of life, physical health, cognitive function and mental health. Together, these may have an impact on safety and health in the workplace.

IOSH’s research looked at three key areas: sleep and fatigue; psychological and mental health; and social isolation. The researchers made a series of recommendations for employees and employers that could offset the worst effects of shift work on health.

Following the hierarchy of controls, you have to consider first whether shift work can be avoided. However, many organisations are finding it isn’t possible to do this, so they need to introduce it. Individual employees should consider a mixture of common-sense lifestyle changes, while employers could make some practical changes to the working environment. 

In terms of combatting the risks of sleep and fatigue, employees should try to ensure family and friends know and understand their sleep hours and needs and have a comfortable, quiet place to sleep during the day. They should also seek to have a sleep schedule to facilitate daytime sleeping.

Employers should consider length of breaks, and start and finish times, and they should also allow adequate time between shifts for sleep and meal preparation. A further consideration is scheduling the most demanding work early in the shift when workers are most alert and setting a limit of five to seven shifts in a row, and two nights in a row.

When it comes to psychological and physical health, employees should maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise, regular meal times and good sleeping habits. They should also prioritise tasks and tackle one at a time and plan days off in advance if possible.

Employers should provide regular meal breaks and have a 24-hour cafeteria where night workers can obtain a hot, nutritious meal and appropriate dining facilities as well as make facilities for social activities such as recreation and staff social gatherings. Consideration must also be given to moving people from shift work after 10 years of exposure.

In terms of social isolation, employees should socialise with other shift workers and their families, to minimise the disruption to social life and ensure they keep in touch with loved ones. Employers could offer or provide an on-site day-care facility and hobby or interest groups in the workplace. 

These are just examples of the kinds of steps that can be taken by both employees and employers to combat the risks to safety, health and wellbeing of shift work.

Managing the risks of shift work is only one consideration organisations have to give around safety and health when returning people to workplaces.

What is absolutely clear is that health and safety must come first when considering restarting work, protecting workforces and communities and enhancing engagement and productivity.

For organisations, it’s about a systematic plan–do–check–act approach and forward-thinking employers were planning for safely restarting work – once allowed to cautiously do so – from early in the pandemic.

Employers need a planned, risk-controlled approach – based on strong leadership, worker involvement and sound health and safety advice – to ensure safe people, workplace, systems and equipment. Cross-functional teams should assess the risks for Covid-19 security and general health and safety and ensure action before workers return.

As with all safety and health risks, employers must ensure that those relating to reopening workplaces are managed properly. People’s lives and livelihoods depend on it.

James Quinn is president-elect at IOSH. For more information, visit www.iosh.com