Shift work warning for employers

Irregular sleeping patterns can harm workers' health

By BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh

Companies who employ shift workers could face legal action if they fail to take steps to combat the ill effects of employees' disrupted sleep patterns.

Researchers from the University of Surrey say employers should use all the available scientific information to minimise the poor health effects of overnight working.

Working irregular hours depresses the immune system and makes the body more vulnerable to disease.

Workers on such shifts are also more likely to suffer from heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep disorders.

A fifth of employees in industrialised countries now work irregular hours, often involving shift and overnight working.

Better lighting

The Surrey University researchers, writing in The Lancet medical journal, say that as the proportion of shift workers increases there is a greater onus on employers to ensure that these detrimental health effects are minimised.

Suggested improvements include better lighting during night shifts, advice on scheduling sleep before work and naps during working hours.

They also urge employers to be sensitive to the social disruption which may be caused by overly demanding shift patterns.

The researchers suggest that if employers fail to take notice of current scientific evidence, they could be held liable for accidents after work caused by tiredness or even longer term health effects.