Shift work and health

Introduction
In manufacturing shift work is often the only way to optimize production. In health care many workers have irregular hours as well. In fact, shift work is on the rise throughout our society and is affecting more and more industries.

Shift work necessitates irregular eating and sleeping habits. Shift workers are at somewhat greater risk of heart and vascular disease, intestinal problems, obesity, diabetes and high blood lipids.

Methods
One method of guarding against health risks for shift workers is increasing their awareness of the connection between health and circadian rhythm.

The purpose of this project is to reach out to shift workers and spread information about sleep, diet and alcohol based on the latest research and biological data available and thus show them why the body reacts the way it does. The idea is to awaken workers’ curiosity and interest in their own health and give them the tools they need to change their lifestyles and feel better.

Results
A counselor training program entitled “Shift Work and Health” has been designed containing:
• Circadian rhythm and sleep
• Circadian rhythm and diet
• Hazardous use of alcohol

The target group for the counselor training program includes employers, unions and occupational health services. Counselors, in turn, train shift workers in companies. Safety representatives are important ambassadors for this program. They secure support for the program by explaining that it is about workers’ health, not shift scheduling.

A pamphlet entitled Shift Work & Your Health has been published. It highlights some of the information and suggestions in the “Shift Work and Health” training program.

Discussion
In workplace evaluations of this program, many shift workers say that the suggestions they received are good and that they have, consequently, made a lifestyle change or changes and now feel better as a result.