A new report from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) explores the realities of night work and its profound effects on workers’ lives, combining insights from five UK unions: the Communication Workers Union (CWU), the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), Equity, and Community.
The study draws from interviews with union representatives and 55 night shift workers across diverse job roles, revealing significant challenges faced by those working outside traditional hours.
The report considers the extensive evidence linking shift and night work to various adverse health outcomes. Research shows strong associations between these work patterns and issues such as cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and metabolic conditions like diabetes. Although links to cancer and reproductive health concerns are less robust, recent studies indicate possible connections, notably between intensive night shifts and hormone-dependent breast cancer among younger women.
The underlying mechanisms for these associations revolve primarily around disturbances in circadian rhythms and sleep deprivation, compounded by social desynchronization. Night workers often report fragmented and poor-quality sleep, leading to cumulative sleep deprivation that can adversely affect mood and overall mental health. Notably, older workers tend to experience heightened fatigue and difficulty adapting to night shifts, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to support their specific needs.
In addition, the psychosocial risks in the workplace further exacerbate these health impacts. High work demands, inadequate managerial support, and the necessity to cover additional shifts due to staff shortages place significant strain on workers. This is particularly evident in sectors like transportation and healthcare, where the implications of fatigue can directly impact safety. Social desynchronization stemming from night work also disrupts family dynamics and relationships, particularly for those with children, which can hinder emotional well-being and social connectedness.
To mitigate these negative effects, HSRs can advocate for their DWGs, requesting employers to consult on controls, such as utilising flexible shift scheduling that allows workers greater control over their hours. Providing adequate recovery time between shifts is essential, as is ensuring that workers can access health services without relying on annual leave. Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices through better access to nutrition and exercise facilities at the workplace can also help address the poor diets often reported by night workers.
In advocating for these changes, HSRs can significantly enhance the working conditions and health outcomes for night shift workers in Victoria.
Read the Trades Union Congress (TUC) report summary: TUC research - report summary health and safety effects of night work
