Shiftwork safety measures for laboratories

The issue for employees who work nights or nontraditional hours is that their work schedules force them to work against their natural biological rhythms. This disruption has been linked to fatigue and other health problems. Fatigued workers also are at a higher risk for on-the-job accidents.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that approximately 15.5 million workers in the US are engaged in some type of shift work. Most laboratories must operate 24 hours a day and someone must work the night shift.

According to a 2004 study by Circadian Technologies based in Stoneham, MA, employees on the night shift have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes and sleep apnea. They are also prone to increased absenteeism, turnover, on-the-job injuries and technical errors.

The National Safety Council has identified the following signs that indicate a person is fatigued: eyes closing or going out of focus; persistent yawning; irritability; restlessness and impatience; wandering disconnected thoughts; back tension; burning eyes; shallow breathing or inattentiveness.

Circadian Technologies found employers who provide shift workers with training on sleep hygiene, time management and balancing work and family life experienced lower levels of turnover and absenteeism.