For decades now it has been recognised that poorly designed shift-working arrangements and long working hours that do not balance the demands of work with time for rest and recovery can result in fatigue, accidents, injuries and ill health.
HSE has published Managing shift work: Health and Safety Guidance, priced £9.95, for all with an interest in minimising the potential health and safety effects arising from the entirely unnatural, albeit necessary, way of life for 3.5million people in the UK. The guidance aims to help employers balance the good practice guidelines with the operational concerns of their businesses.



Comment:
"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." - Head of HSE's Human Factors Corporate Topic Group.