Comparison of index of ability to work (ICT) among workers of day and night fixed work shift

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to investigate the work ability of employees within a multinational corporation specialized in supplying automated production lines and maintenance of industrial assets and the relation between work shifts and the work ability. This is a descriptive comparative study conducted in the company, with a sample of 776 maintenance workers. We used the Work Ability Index (WAI) to assess their ability to work. The study subjects were young adults, all male, around 37 years old, divided into 53.6% in the fixed shift and 46.4% in rotating shifts. From the results, it can be concluded that workers in general have good work ability, but when divided into shifts, better results are found in the group of rotating shift workers. Further study should be conducted to investigate whether the shift interferes on the outcome of WAI. © 2012 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.