Shift work occupational health and hygiene

 In some other occasions, employees are subjected to better pay through shift roles.  However, according to scientific and medical reports, shift roles have negative effects on the employees’ overall health.  The aspect of shift work is generally attributable to the competitive business environments faced by various companies worldwide.  For companies to enhance productivity, most employers are compelled to make effective use of their time through provision of shift roles as well as overtime1. In line with the Committee of Safety, Health, and Wellbeing, this report aims at addressing the potential health impacts due to shift working as well as the proposed mitigation to this health menace.  For the case of rotating shifts, employees are expected to alter their work schedule by either working daytime or nightshift2.

 In a fixed program, an employee is subjected to a night shift schedule permanently. The increasing studies are attributing shift roles to social/family life strains, circadian disturbances, and poor sleeping patterns. Shift and night work are also linked to severe conditions such as heart illnesses and cancer.  Fatigue causes discomfort and some extreme situations it is regarded as deadly. There is an increasing interest in examining all the potential impacts associated with shift workers particularly those who work during unusual hours.  Based on done studies, there is clear evidence that night shift working is attributable to extreme levels of depression.   The aspect of disrupted circadian pattern due to inadequate sleep has an immense influence on depression and physical health leading to reduced performance, poor social relations and life quality.

 Additionally, the aspect of depression is also linked to inadequate involvement in various social activities due to a limited job schedule. Irritability, burn out, anger, exhaustion, lethargy, and psychological attributes such as depression do not only impact the wellbeing of a person, but also his/her marital situation and social life4.  The disorders may vary from pyrosis, flatulence, digestion issues, bowel altercations (constipation) to serious illnesses such as irritable bowels, peptic ulcers, and gastroduodenitis.   Some of the mentioned illnesses were commonly examined through epidemiological reports done in past studies.  Generally, peptic ulcer is one of the commonly reported disorders linked to gastrointestinal problems due to impacts of shift work1.   Metabolic illnesses Metabolic issues such as blood pressure, increased triglycerides, fasting glucose and abdominal obesity are currently the leading risk factors attributable to cardiovascular disorders and diabetes type 2.

Most research studies have unraveled how shift work is increasing the chances of metabolic and nutritional disturbances among various the subject employees.   Therefore, such information might provide a basis of implementing proper measures to safeguard women who work overnight.  It is important for females who work during night shifts on a long term basis to have frequent cancer screenings and physical assessments. Mitigation to the health effects as a result of shift work Shift roles, especially working overnight is associated with various severe health impacts such as sleepiness, injuries, and cardiovascular illness on a long term basis, breast cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, the psychological depression and disruption of lifestyle balance are frequently experienced with shift employees as compared to daytime workers.

 However, there is little known regarding the appropriate strategies best for mitigating such negative health impacts5. g. self-scheduling through ergonomic programs Improved levels of cholesterol Increased life and work balance Enhanced motivation and employee performance Reduced turnover, absenteeism, and stress  Generally, the aspect of adopting working conditions that are flexible and shift rotation are examples of the most effective remedies to shift work. Regulated exposure to dark and light Light exposure, particularly during the night shift, is suspected to be a significant attribute relating to breast cancer and shift work.  However, use of bright light therapy in helping the circadian pattern acclimatize shift role has proven as one of the best means to suppress the release of melatonin, increasing cortisol levels and body temperature while working during night shifts.