Shift-work and extended hours of work

Shift-work and extended hours working hours are increasing in many industries and organisations in Australia. It is estimated that about 30 per cent of employees are involved in work outside of regular daytime hours.

Workers on shiftwork face a number problems: increased levels of fatigues; increased risks to their health; negative effects on their family and social lives.

The body is synchronised to night and day by a small part of the brain known as the circadian clock. Body functions - such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, digestion and brain activity - fluctuate over each 24-hour period, under the guidance of the circadian clock.

Increased risks

A person working the night shift is at greater risk of various disorders, accidents and misfortunes, including:

Increased likelihood of weight problems and obesity
Increased risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease
Increased risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer - IARC has categorised shiftwork that involves circadian disruption as a Group 2A carcinogen - i.e. probably carcinogenic to humans
Increased risk of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, stomach discomfort and peptic ulcers
Potential problems during pregnancy
Higher risk of motor vehicle accidents and work related accidents
Higher risk of mood changes
Increased likelihood of family problems, including divorce
The sleep deprivation, which can be caused by shiftwork, may increase the risk of epilepsy in pre-disposed people
Shift workers with diabetes can experience difficulties in controlling their blood sugar levels.

Danish research completed in 2007 also suggests that shift work may increase the risk of enforced early retirement in women.

Shift-work and car accidents

Shift-work is the greatest sleep-related factor contributing to motor vehicle accidents, an Australian study (Prevalence of sleepiness in surviving drivers of motor vehicle collisions) has found. The lead author of the study said that sleepiness, particularly related to shiftwork, needs to be emphasised as a risk factor for motor vehicle collisions. He added that the results showed employers need to look after shift-workers better — suggesting 10-hour breaks between shifts, limited weekly rosters and taxis home from work.

Sleep problems

Shift-workers tend to get two to three hours less sleep than other workers. They often sleep though the day in two split periods, a few hours in the morning and then an hour or so before going to work at night. Night workers can find it difficult sleeping during the day, as it is difficult to keep the sleep environment dark as well as free of noise.

Legislation

There is nothing in the OHS Act or regulations which sets a limit on the hours of work that someone can work. Even though the number of hours workers work has obvious OHS implications, it is not covered specifically in OHS legislation. The specifics of hours of work, shifts, breaks between shifts, as well as meal and other breaks should be regulated under the 'industrial' system. This means checking the relevant award or Enterprise Agreement. However, these are most often covered in terms of what payments workers should receive.

Despite what workers may or may not be entitled to under the IR system, an employer still has the general duty of care under the OHS Act to provide safe systems for work for employees (section 21). If workers are fatigued their work performance is impaired - and there are many factors that contribute to fatigue - such as hours of work, including extended hours of work and overtime, shift work and the intensity of work.

WorkSafe Victoria has guidance for employers on how to eliminate or reduce the risk of work-related fatigue, and how to implement an effective risk management system to minimise risks to workers. See: Work-related Fatigue - Guide for Employers

OHS Reps resources

· Psychosocial hazards

· What are psychosocial hazards?

· What is work-related stress?

· Work Stress Questionnaire - OHS Reps

· Psych Health Survey Tool - OHS Reps

· Prevention Plan for Psychosocial Hazards - OHS Reps

· Shift-work and extended hours of work - OHS Reps

· Fatigue, Impairment and Shift-work: More info - OHS Reps

· Remote and Isolated Work - OHS Reps