4SUC6 : "Share your goals" - How to desigh Shift Schedule

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How to desigh Shift Schedule

The term "rotational shiftwork" covers a wide variety of work schedules and implies that shifts rotate or change according to a set schedule. Workers take turns working on all shifts that are part of a particular system.

Why study the effects of shiftwork?

Alternating day, night and afternoon shifts are common in industrial work, mines, hospitals, as well as food, health, and transportation services. Many workers find that shiftwork disrupts their family and personal life and leads to health problems including chronic fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders. �

What are the effects on circadian rhythms?

Frequent changes in schedule and disruption to circadian rhythms can lead to chronic fatigue and other health problems.

What are the changes in sleep patterns?

Disruption of both the quality and quantity of the normal sleep is inevitable in shiftwork particularly where night work is involved. The daytime sleep is seldom as deep or as refreshing as sleep at night. This difficulty occurs because the circadian rhythms are no longer synchronized. Being constantly tired is a typical complaint of shift workers.

What are the gastrointestinal disorders associated with shiftwork?

Certainly the irregular work, sleep and eating schedules are not helpful for the proper care of ulcers.

Can shiftwork aggravate existing conditions?

Check with your family physician if you take medication while working shifts. What are the safety concerns associated with working shifts? The disturbance of circadian rhythms can affect concentration, motivation, and reaction time, particularly at night. The organizational level - primarily through the design of shift schedules, education and better facilities. The individual level - helping workers to get better sleep, a healthier diet, and the reduction of stress.

Shift Schedule Design

Optimizing the design of the shift schedule is the most effective way of reducing the health and safety problems. Some schedule designers feel that a longer shift rotation should be arranged so that the worker spends from two weeks to one month on the same shift that would allow circadian rhythms to adjust. Others suggest a rapid shift rotation where different shifts are worked every two to three days. This system may reduce disruption to body rhythms because the readjustment of circadian rhythms is minimized. Consider the direction of rotation of shifts. Consider the time at which a shift starts and finishes. Early morning shifts are associated with shorter sleep and greater fatigue. Provide a rest period of at least 24 hours after each set of night shifts. The more consecutive nights worked, the more rest time should be allowed before the next rotation occurs. Consider alternative forms of organizing work schedules. It has the advantage of fewer consecutive night shifts and longer blocks of time off. Start a special shift system if production demands result in extended periods of overtime work. Inform shiftworkers of their work schedules well ahead of time so they and their families and friends can plan activities. Allow as much flexibility as possible for shift changes. Give attention to the work environment. The nutritional needs differ between day shifts and other shifts because of circadian rhythms. Recreational opportunities are often minimal for workers on "non-day" shifts. The difficulties stem from the change in eating, sleeping, and working patterns. Keep family meal times the same even though the work routine constantly changes. Time meals carefully. Afternoon workers should have the main meal in the middle of the day instead of the middle of the work shift. Night workers should eat lightly throughout the shift and have a moderate breakfast. Avoid greasy foods, particularly at night. Relax during meals and allow time for digestion.