A report published by Safe Work Australia in 2016 outlines that people who work shifts have more than double the risk of being injured at work than non-shift workers.
Which Shifts Have the Highest Injury Rates?
The following characteristics of one’s shift or roster are most likely to lead to injury:
- Night shift
- Evening shift
- Rotating shift design
Which Industries Are Most at Risk?
Safe Work Australia has detailed that injuries to shift workers are most prevalent in the following industries:
- Manufacturing
- Accommodation & Food Services
- Public Administration & Safety
Strategies Addressing Injury for Shift Workers
Current strategies to decrease injury for shift workers include physiotherapist delivered early injury intervention and prevention services. In order to deliver this service traditionally the physiotherapist has to be on site. This presents a logistical problem due to the 24/7 nature of shift work. Often workers are injured when the physiotherapist is not on site. Employ Health have recently created a service that addresses this problem and provides rapid response injury management to the injured shift worker, irrespective of shift type or location. Please contact us on admin@employhealth.com.au if you’d like more information about the details of this service.
Long Term Health Effects of Shift Work
It is important to also note that the health implications for ongoing shift work are broad and extend beyond musculoskeletal injury. The following health concerns have been found for people who work shifts:
- Increased risk of developing breast cancer or colorectal cancer for night shift workers
- Increased risk of gastro-intestinal disorders, mental health disorders and pre term delivery during pregnancy
- Insufficient sleep time and quality
Please contact Employ Health or your GP if you are concerned about yourself and the development of these conditions.
