Shift Work

Question 1

Define what is meant by shift work and provide 3 reasons why shift work needed

Answer 1

shift working 12 hour days 4 days a week

1. process industries - many modern industries such as power plants and steel works cannot close at night
2. economic pressures - companies often prefer to introduce a second and third shift bc production machinery is expensive and cannot be duplicated
3. service sector demand - many types of jobs where people are needed around clock (restaurant, call center)

Question 2

What is Circadian Rhythm, how long does it typically takes to fully adjust from working days to working nights? What are 2 reasons why it takes so long to adjust?

Answer 2

The human body has a natural 24 hour clock or rhythm which is difficult to change. It takes 3 weeks working at night before a person’s Circadian Rhythm fully adapts to be up at night and sleep in a day

Daylight- human body associates more light as being awake.
Social and environmental factors - easier to sleep at night due to less disturbing noise and social activities

Question 3

What are the 5 typical problems associated with working night shift

Answer 3

• fatigue
• health disorders
• disruptive of social life
• decreased productivity
• safety

Question 4

In German and Scandinavian countries there is a clear preference for fast, forward rotating schedules. What is the rationale for this?

Answer 4

• number of consecutive night shifts should be as few as possible.
• preferably only one consecutive night shift in a shift schedule