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It is not a problem if the person can and does rest. Studies suggest that it can take up to 10 days to adapt to a night time work schedule.įatigue is a message to the body to rest.
#On shift meaning work full#
Workers generally will not acclimate to night work, and sleep patterns will generally be disrupted so the non-work periods do not provide full recovery, resulting in sleep deprivation. Society is oriented toward traditional daytime work hours and work at night will often intensify fatigue and reduce alertness.
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These effects lead to an increased risk of operator error, injuries and/or accidents. Non-traditional shifts and extended work hours may disrupt the body's regular schedule, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and lack of concentration. What should workers know?Įxtended or unusual work shifts may be more stressful physically, mentally, and emotionally. This document is intended solely as a guide to provide information to employers and workers. Is there an OSHA standard covering this?Ĭurrently, there is not a specific OSHA Standard for extended or unusual work shifts. These schedules ensure that the appropriate scarce resources are in place and accessible while full mobilization is being developed. Long or unusual shifts are often required during response and recovery phases of emergency situations such as terrorist threats, which generally come without warning, require continuous monitoring, and may overwhelm local responders both technically and tactically. Extended shifts may be used to maximize scarce resources. Any shift that incorporates more continuous hours, requires more consecutive days of work, or requires work during the evening should be considered extended or unusual. What is an Extended/Unusual Shift and when are they used?Ī normal work shift is generally considered to be a work period of no more than eight consecutive hours during the day, five days a week with at least an eight-hour rest. The procedures and practices discussed in Emergency Preparedness Guides may need to be modified when additional, relevant information becomes available or when OSH Act standards are promulgated or modified. Emergency Preparedness Guides do not and cannot enlarge or diminish an employer's obligations under the OSH Act.Įmergency Preparedness Guides are based on presently available information, as well as current occupational safety and health provisions and standards.
#On shift meaning work free#
In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards.
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