What is Shift Work?
‘Shift work’ is nontraditional work schedules.
These schedules are 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. 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.
Types of Shift Work
A variety of shift styles can be used to provide coverage and may vary depending on the industry’s requirements. Different industries use different types of shift work schedules.
8 Hour Shifts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
12-Hour Shifts
For many 24/7 industries, 12-hour shifts are popular as they condense the workweek and provide employees with more consecutive days off.
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The 2-2-3 Schedule: In this rotating pattern, employees work for two days, have two days off, work for three days, and then have two days off the following week, and vice-versa. This schedule provides a long “weekend” every other week but includes alternating weekends on duty.
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The 4-on, 4-off Schedule: Employees work four consecutive 12-hour shifts, followed by four consecutive days off. This offers a consistent and long break, making it easier for employees to recharge and attend to personal matters.
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The DuPont Schedule: This is a complex but highly structured 12-hour rotating schedule that cycles over four weeks. It is designed for 24/7 continuous operation and is known for providing a significant block of days off. A typical DuPont cycle includes a mix of day and night shifts, often culminating in a 7-day break (or “golden week”) at the end of the cycle. It is demanding but valued for its long, predictable off-periods
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.
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.
Employees who work extended hours, third shift, or rotating schedules may be more prone to causing or suffering workplace accidents. When this happens, a work injury lawyer can help. Contact us today to discuss a work related injury.
