The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance which aims to raise awareness of the health and safety risks of shift work and suggests sensible measures employers, safety representatives and employees can use to reduce the negative impact of shift work.
Often, badly designed working patterns, shifts and long working hours do not allow time for rest and recovery which can result in fatigue, accidents, injuries and ill health. There are over 3.5million people in the UK who work shifts across a variety of sectors, including public services and heavy industry.
The publication - Managing Shift Work: Health and Safety Guidance - explains employers' legal duties and the risks associated with shiftwork. It provides advice on risk assessment, design of shift work schedules and the shift-work environment.
Trevor Shaw, Head of HSE's Human Factors Corporate Topic Group commented:
"It is important not to underestimate the risks of shift work. If shift workers are fatigued, their performance will be affected. As a result they may make more errors, which can lead to accidents and injuries. This guidance offers a wealth of practical help and advice to businesses on how to manage those risks."
Managing shift work: Health and Safety Guidance is a priced publication available from HSE Books at £9.95.
HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books
PO Box 1999
Sudbury
Suffolk
CO10 2WA
Tel: 01787 881165
Fax: 01787 313995
