Safety Net Journal Issue 5

Fatigue index for shiftworkers

The HSE has developed a new ‘fatigue index’ for shift workers. Over 3.5 million people now work shifts. HSE research confirms that shift work can be bad for workers’ health and safety.

Fatigue from irregular hours and lack of sleep can affect performance and attention leading to an increase in accidents and injuries. Fatigue has been implicated in 20 % of accidents on major roads. It is said to cost the UK £115 - £240 million per year in terms of work accidents alone. People who work shifts can also suffer from health problems and social isolation.

The Fatigue Index can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr446.htm

 Printer Friendly Page

 Email to a Friend

© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/healthandsafety/safety_net/05/Shitfwork.html
Last Modified: Monday, 19-Feb-2007 23:39:25 EST
Proudly designed and programmed by Social Change Online
Site Credits