Shift Work and Extended Working Hours as Risk Factors for Occupational Injury

Abstract

The aim of this review is to examine the effect of shift work and extended working hours on occupational injuries. A calculation based on four studies shows that the risk of occupational injury during afternoon shifts was 6% lower than that during morning shifts. The same kind of calculation showed that the risk of occupational injury during night shifts was 15% lower than during morning shifts. A review of eight studies showed that the risk of occupational injury was 41% higher for 10-hour working days compared to 8-hour working days. On the other hand, working 12-hour days increased the risk of occupational injury by 14%. When working more than 12 hours per day, three studies showed a 98% increase in involvement in occupational injury. The results of this study showed that shift work considerably increased the risk of occupational injury in the USA, but not in the other countries. Extended working hours was related to elevated risk of occupational injury. Thus shift work and long work hours did not suit for all employees.