Shift Workers

It is estimated that 15% of the working population work shifts. In this topic, all systems of work other than standard daytime hours are considered as shift work. Shift work can benefit an organisation if it is organised and planned correctly. However, if it is not undertaken with adequate planning, the detrimental effect on employees and, in turn, the efficiency of the organisation, can cause significant losses, eg through higher sickness absence, higher accident rates, higher staff turnover and increased error rates reducing profitability. This topic offers guidance on how to minimise the risks associated with shift work.