Shift work is designed for companies to operate continuously or beyond traditional hours.
To sustain this type of work, shifts must be created to cover all hours that need to be worked.
A variety of shift styles can be used to provide coverage and may vary depending on the industry’s requirements. Some industries may use one type of shift over another, and each type of shift impacts workers and their lifestyles in different ways.
These nontraditional work schedules can also pose several risks to both work personnel and those they serve.
Some industries may also have unreasonable expectations for the workload a shift worker may be able to handle.
As such, employees may face pressure to work beyond their abilities, leading to accidents due to drowsiness or exhaustion. In such cases, hiring a Houston work injury lawyer from Dax F. Garza, P.C. can be essential for recovering losses from work-related injuries or receiving fair treatment,
7 Types of Shift Work
1. First Shift
First shift most closely resembles a traditional schedule where employees work during the day. However, the first shift is not just limited to the hours of 9-5 but could be anytime that starts during the day or morning. A worker is likely to work this consistently.
2. Second Shift
Second shift picks up where first shift workers leave off. First and second shift workers’ schedules may also overlap. Second shift can start in the afternoon or evening and potentially go until midnight. This can be a demanding shift due to the bulk of the work hours falling during a generally busy time of day.
3. Third Shift
Third shift fills in the remaining gap of time between midnight and morning. This schedule can be difficult for workers to adjust to, as it is the opposite of our natural circadian rhythms. This type of shift is often used when work must continue around the clock.
4. Split Shift
Instead of working a continuous period of time, split shifts require workers to work part of their hours at one time of day, take a few hours off, and return to complete their tasks later in the day. The worked shifts may be at different times of day, and the break between shifts can vary in duration. The split shift is likely to be governed by the nature, type, and structure of the industry.
5. Rotating Shift
Rotating shifts are another approach to continuous work. In this style, individuals rotate through working different shifts. They may work a mix of morning, evening, or mid-shifts and even have a different pattern and cadence of days worked and days off.
6. Fixed Shift
A fixed shift can resemble a traditional shift in that an employee is expected to work the same shift every day. First, second, and third shift work can often be fixed where employees work the same shift every day. It also allows workers to have a set schedule and plan around their assigned shifts.
7. Flexible Shift
As the name implies, flexible shifts may fluctuate more, and employees may be able to select a shift that fits them best. This flexibility can be more conducive to a balanced lifestyle than some of the other shifts, but it can require employees to be diligent about scheduling and communicating their work hours.
Most Common Industries for Shift Work
Some industries are more likely than others to complete their work in shifts.
For these industries, shift work accommodates a high demand for services and products that must be available at any hour. Some industries where shift work is most common include:
- Law enforcement
- Firefighters
- EMS and paramedic services
- Doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff
- Foodservice
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Retail
Many of these industries require more than 8 hours for work to be completed, so they are often broken up into shifts.
Retail and manufacturing are more likely to have a first, second, and maybe third shift where schedules could be fixed or rotating. Food service positions may be covered by a split shift.
First responders and transportation workers are likely to work rotating shifts with various days worked consecutively and various days off to accommodate for the type and length of the shift.
Injury Risks Associated with Shift Work
While shift work is necessary in some industries to keep up with the demand of the work or provide around-the-clock services, it can also come with a set of risks.
If the proper precautions are not taken, the hazards of shift work may lead to health conditions, as well as accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Sleep deprivation is a common problem among shift workers and can affect many other areas of an individual’s life.
Sleep problems and exhaustion in shift workers are typically the result of disrupted circadian rhythms, long hours, and poor quality of sleep. Lack of sleep can, in turn, affect an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health and increase the likelihood of errors, accidents, and work related injuries.
While lack of sleep can affect an individual’s health, it is not the only factor at play leading to deterioration in physical health. Shift work and irregular hours can increase stress levels and reduce the quality of life individuals may experience. Individuals may develop health issues such as digestive problems, weight gain, heart issues, cancer, diabetes, changes in metabolism, depression, anxiety, burnout, and more.
Given the exhaustion, burnout, and physical symptoms caused by shift work, accidents can be more likely to occur at work. Employees may injure themselves or injure someone else as a result. Performance may also suffer as a result. Fatigued employees may be slower to react and make preventable mistakes while they are at work or on the way to or from their jobs.
When to Seek Legal Counsel
While shift work is a necessary part of keeping the workforce and economy running, it can also lead to significant problems for workers. Some of these issues might even require legal counsel.
Employees who work extended hours, third shift, or rotating schedules may be more prone to causing or suffering workplace accidents. When this happens, a personal injury lawyer can provide representation to help recover losses. Their advocacy and negotiation can ensure that individuals receive compensation to get the care they need.
The demands of shift work can also lead to unreasonable workloads. This is often seen in the transportation industry, where drivers may be required to work for 60 or more hours a week and not receive sufficient time off.
If work conditions and hours are excessive and compensation is not fair, a work injury lawyer can fight to ensure better quality and standards of work with fair pay and treatment.
Dax F. Garza, P.C. Supports Your Right to a Safe Workplace
Dax F. Garza, P.C. is committed to ensuring employees are protected regardless of what shift they work.
Our firm understands that unreasonable job expectations and exhaustion-induced injuries can significantly impact your life and well-being. We are here to advocate for you when you need an ally to get the resources you need to work safely or recover.
Schedule a free consultation today, and our team will meet you at your convenience and help you find a way forward.
